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Lehmann Condemns 'Daily' Abuse of Steve Smith by England Fans, Urges Barmy Army to Lift

Speaking on ABC during the current Ashes, Darren Lehmann says jeers over the 2018 scandal now cross a line, risking players' mental health.

Overview

  • Lehmann told ABC he was targeted 20 to 30 times at Perth Stadium and described the ongoing taunts as bordering on abuse.
  • He said Smith faces worse treatment because he plays every day, with chants and boos persisting since the batter’s 2019 return.
  • Lehmann called on the Barmy Army to be better, noting most supporters are respectful and blaming a small, intoxicated minority.
  • Smith was stripped of the captaincy and banned for a year in 2018, while David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were also sanctioned as Lehmann resigned and was later cleared of wrongdoing.
  • The former coach praised Smith, Warner and Bancroft for rebuilding their careers and warned that constant sledging takes a toll on mental wellbeing.