Smith abuse by England fans condemned by Lehmann

Darren Lehmann slams the “Smith abuse” from England fans, calling for respect and saying they should be better than constant booing.

Smith abuse from England supporters has come under blistering criticism from former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who said fans “should be better” than the repeated chants and taunts directed at Steve Smith. Lehmann’s remarks highlight how personal and incessant the jeering has become, even years after the 2018 ball‑tampering scandal.

Table of Contents

1. Background: Why Smith is booed
2. Lehmann’s blunt warning
3. Smith’s resilience under fire
4. Calls for change in fan behaviour
5. Lessons from the scandal

Background: Why Smith is booed

Steve Smith has long been a lightning rod for controversy among England fans, largely because of his central role in the 2018 ball‑tampering scandal. During that incident, Smith admitted that Australia’s “leadership group” had planned to tamper with the test ball.
Smith was stripped of the captaincy, suspended for a year, and publicly humiliated — including a tearful apology.
Since returning to international cricket, he has frequently been booed at matches, particularly when playing in England.

Lehmann’s blunt warning

Lehmann did not mince his words. He described the daily abuse Smith still faces from some England fans as “unbelievable.”
According to him, Smith is out on the field every day — still playing, still giving his all — yet he’s met with a barrage of negativity. Lehmann argued that fans forget that players are human, and that frequent booing and chants do more harm than good.
He called out a portion of the crowd, saying:

“In England they just don’t forget. It is like they have never done anything wrong in their life … It is only the ones that drink too much and carry on like pork chops.”
Lehmann pointed out that while not all fans are guilty, some of the worst behavior comes from a minority.

Smith’s resilience under fire

Despite enduring ongoing Smith abuse, the batter has shown remarkable mental strength. Lehmann praised Smith’s ability to take responsibility over his past mistake, saying he “can hold his head high with how he handles everything.”
Smith’s apology back in 2018 remains an iconic moment in cricket: he openly expressed regret, accepted full responsibility for his role in the scandal, and recognized the wider impact on his team, his family, and the integrity of the game.
Lehmann’s defense of Smith underscores the belief that redemption and growth should be allowed — that once a player has paid the price, they deserve a chance to rebuild.

Calls for change in fan behaviour

Lehmann’s criticism extends beyond Smith — it’s a call to cricket fans, particularly in England, to raise their standard of conduct. He singled out the Barmy Army (a well-known group of England fans), urging them to set a better example.
His argument is simple yet powerful: sportsmanship should not end when the controversy begins. He believes that fans who truly love cricket should appreciate talent — even when it comes with baggage.

This isn’t the first time players have asked for more respectful treatment. During the 2019 Ashes series, even British officials weighed in: UK Sports Minister Nigel Adams described the booing of Smith as “distasteful” and urged fans to applaud rather than jeer.
Lehmann’s comments echo that sentiment — that forgiveness, or at least basic respect, should be part of the cricketing culture.

Lessons from the scandal

The ongoing backlash against Smith offers a few key takeaways:

• Accountability matters: Smith acknowledged his mistake in the 2018 scandal, and that admission earned him a chance to come back. The Guardian+1
• Redemption is possible: Despite public scrutiny, Smith has rebuilt his career and continues to perform at a high level.
• Fan behavior shapes the game: Lehmann’s remarks are a reminder that how fans treat players has real consequences — on mental health, team morale, and the broader spirit of cricket.
• Change takes time: The fact that the abuse persists years later suggests that healing is ongoing, and that part of that healing requires more empathy from spectators.

Conclusion

Darren Lehmann’s strong words on Smith abuse serve as both a defense of Steve Smith and a broader call for better sportsmanship among cricket fans. While Smith has faced vilification for his past, Lehmann believes he deserves respect and that fans — especially in England — “should be better.”

If the cricket world genuinely values growth, redemption, and fair play, Lehmann’s message must resonate: talent should be celebrated, mistakes acknowledged, and abuse called out.