Minister demands apology from Chappell;youths burn his effigy

Kolkata, Nov 27 (UNI) West Bengal Sports Minister Subhash Chakraborty today described Team India coach Greg Chappell's purported comment about MPs as 'uncivilized'.

Talking to reporters here he said BCCI President Sharad Pawar should seek an apology from the coach.

''The BCCI had appointed Mr Chappell and lauded his coaching when India won matches. Now the BCCI must ask him to apologise for his ungentlemanly words,'' Mr Chakraborty said.

After India's defeat at Cape Town Mr Chappell had reportedly said he was not surprised by MPs' criticism(about the team's performance) as they were paid to do so.

Meanwhile, angry city youths burnt the coach in effigy at various places and demanded his immediate sacking "to save" Indian cricket.

They said his comment not only defamed the Indian parliamentary system but was also an assault on the country's tradition and tolerance.

They demanded recalling of former captain Sourav Gagnuly in the Indian squad, "which was facing demoralising defeats" at the hand of South Africa.

Earlier, in the day West Bengal Assembly Speaker Hasim Abdul Halim rejected a motion demading condemnation of Chappell's comment.

Trinamool Congress legislator Sougata Roy had demanded an all party discussion and condemnation on Chappell's reported remarks.

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