Mumbai/ Jalandhar, Mar 3 : The controversial spinner Harbhajan Singh's fans expressed their displeasure over Australians raising the issue for allegedly making monkey gestures towards the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) crowd during the first tri-series final against Australia on Sunday.

The reports quoted a spectator as saying Harbhajan had scratched his armpits and spat after being heckled by sections of the crowd during the match.

In Mumbai, fans said that it has become a ritual for the Australian team to raise issues in every match.

"Australians have got habitual and play these mind games with almost all the teams they play with," said Suresh, a fan.

Reacting to the controversy, Harbhajan's mother Avtar Kaur said, "My wishes are with him and God will also help him. He will answer them back through his bowling only."

Earlier, Harbhajan was banned for three tests for allegedly calling Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds a monkey during the second test in January. The punishment was later reduced on appeal.

Australian batsman Matthew Hayden was reprimanded last week for describing Harbhajan as an "obnoxious weed" in another of the controversial incidents, which have marred India's tour.

ANI