India footballer Sandesh Jhingan trolled on Twitter for sexist remark
Footballer and Indian football team vice-captain Sandesh Jhingan was caught on camera passing a sexist comment. A video released by his own club, ATK Mohun Bagan and later deleted, showed the player saying, "I have played a match with women, with women."
Here is the video:
After yesterday's match between ATKMB and KBFC, Sandesh Jhingan was allegedly heard saying "aurato ke saath match khela hai, aurato ke saath" (We played with women, with women) in a video uploaded on ATKMB's instagram page. This is shameful, if true. pic.twitter.com/RG50m8RKu6
— ????? ??????? (@TORCH__BEARERS) February 20, 2022
The 11-second video was recorded during a match against Kerala Blasters on February 19. It is unknown whether the comment was aimed at Sandesh's own teammates or the Kerala Blasters. Sandesh has played for the Kerala Blasters from 2014 to 2020 and after he left, in honour of his contributions, the club 'retired' his jersey Number 21.
After the video went viral on Twitter, Sandesh released an apology on Twitter. In the apology he said, "When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective."
When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective.
— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) February 20, 2022
He further clarified that the comment was not intended towards the Kerala Blasters and also said, "Those who know me personally will tell you that I have always been a huge supporter of Indian women’s team and women in general. Don’t forget that I have a mother, my sisters and my wife, and I’ve always been respectful towards women."
But Twitter users refuse to accept his apology.
Women's Football India tweeted, "The comments made by Sandesh Jhingan deserve all the criticism they're getting and more. All the posturing means little if you're inherently sexist. And it's 2022, stop with the 'I have a mother...' line to defend your poor behaviour. Not our hero."
The comments made by Sandesh Jhingan deserve all the criticism they're getting and more. All the posturing means little if you're inherently sexist. And it's 2022, stop with the 'I have a mother...' line to defend your poor behaviour. Not our hero.
— Women's Football India (@WomensFootieIND) February 20, 2022
Other users on the platform have also spoken against his apology. One user tweeted, "The same excuse, I have mother, sister... That does not give you a license to say what you said. Supporting women's football does not mean you will use that language. Time and again, we keep forgetting that! Very disappointed!!."
The same excuse, I have mother, sister... That does not give you a license to say what you said. Supporting women's football does not mean you will use that language. Time and again, we keep forgetting that! Very disappointed!! https://t.co/R6kVYUK7o4
— Anirban Chakraborty( あにるばん) (@anirban_speaks) February 20, 2022
Another wrote, "You're saying that in the heat of the moment you could forget your mother, sisters and wife and you can say anything about women. Now that's what your personality is."
You're saying that In the heat of the moment you could forget your mother, sisters and wife and you can say anything about women. Now that's what your personality is .
— SREERAG (@SREERAGRKPM) February 20, 2022
His actions are also being called the worst thing done by a footballer. A user tweeted, "This is the worst comment made by a national footballer like Sandesh Jhingan in the history of Indian football. and there is no space for defending that."
This is the worst comment made by a national footballer like Sandesh Jhingan in the history of Indian football. and there is no space for defending that.??
— Mariners' Base Camp - Ultras Mohun Bagan (@MbcOfficial) February 20, 2022
While another wrote, "Dear Mr. Sandesh Jhingan, even in the most heated up and frustrated moment in a football match, such a sexist remark isn't justified."Football Has No Gender"."
Dear Mr. Sandesh Jhingan, even in the most heated up and frustrated moment in a football match, such a sexist remark isn't justified."Football Has No Gender."
— The ATK Dugout • ATK ?⚪ • #DemergeATKMB (@TheATKDugout) February 20, 2022
Fans of the sport have also been giving 'marks' to his essay of an apology. One user gave it a 7 out of 10 on Twitter and called it a "Good Essay".
Good essay. pic.twitter.com/nPA3X2qaWB
— Thafheem (@thafhm) February 20, 2022
Sandesh's comments are not only problematic but also highlight the prejudice women face in the field of sports. Players are known to use cusswords during matches and after, flood social media with their so-called 'apologies' with no backlash. The response Sandesh has received is not only refreshing but also the need of the hour.