The Ashes: England fans should be better than "abuse" directed at Steve Smith, says Darren Lehmann

Former Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann has expressed his disappointment with the manner in which England fans are treating Steve Smith, a key figure in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. According to Lehmann, the abuse directed at Smith is "unbelievable" and highlights a culture of relentless hostility towards him.

Smith, who was banned for a year alongside David Warner and Cameron Bancroft after the incident, has become a regular target of chants and boos from England supporters. Despite his efforts to move on and regain fans' trust, he continues to face verbal abuse during matches.

Lehmann, who cleared himself of wrongdoing in connection with the scandal, believes that Smith is handling the situation better than many of the England fans are treating him. He said: "The abuse you get is daily... It would be worse for him." Lehmann also noted that the English fans' hostility towards Smith is fueled by a sense of grievance and a desire to see him fail.

Smith's treatment at the hands of England fans has been criticized by many, including former Australian cricketer Shane Warne. However, it appears that some fans still harbor resentment towards him, which Lehmann's comments suggest may be unjustified.

omg like darelle lehman is totes right about steve smith gettin all this hate from england fans lol its just wild how harsh ppl can b when they dont even no the whole story 1 yr ban was a big deal but now its like he's some kinda villain idk what's goin on with england fans rn

I'm so sad to hear about Steve Smith going through this. Like, he was already dealing with the shame of what happened 3 years ago and now these England fans are still being super mean? It's not right! Darren Lehmann is totally spot on about how unbelievable it is that they're treating him like this. Smith is human too, you know? He made a mistake but he's trying to move on and be a better person... I don't think we should be booing or shouting at him during matches . The fans are just being really unfair and it's making it hard for him to regain their trust. Maybe they're still hurting from the scandal? Anyway, I'm sending all my positive vibes to Steve Smith

I just don't get why Aussie fans are so harsh on Steve Smith . Like, he was part of a scandal and got his punishment... but does that mean we gotta hate him forever? It seems to me like some England fans are still salty about it and can't let it go . And honestly, Darren Lehmann's right - the constant abuse is low . Smith's trying to move on and do his thing on the pitch... shouldn't we just support him? It's all so unnecessary .

I think this is pretty concerning, tbh. The level of abuse Steve Smith gets from England fans is just not cool. I mean, we all make mistakes in life and try to learn from them, right? It seems like Smith has done the same, but instead of getting support, he's facing constant heckling. Lehmann's comments hit home - it would be a lot worse for him if it wasn't just during matches. The fact that some fans are still salty about what happened in 2018 is just not fair. We should all try to move on from past mistakes and treat each other with kindness... especially when we don't even know the person!

oh man I'm so glad Darren Lehmann is speaking out about this it's like, the Aussie players went through hell for one mistake and now they're just being roasted by England fans all the time it's not cool. Smith deserves way more respect than that. I mean, he's trying to move on from his past and play cricket again, can't we just cheer him on instead of booing and chanting his name? it's like, the England fans are still stuck in 2018 and it's time to let Smith move forward. Lehmann's right, the abuse is daily and it's not fair to him or his family. we should be supporting our Aussie mates instead of tearing them down

You know, this whole thing just got me thinking... what's the point of all this negativity? We're treating Steve Smith like a scapegoat for something that happened years ago. I mean, can't we just move on and support him as a person, not just as a cricketer? It's like we're still trying to relive the drama of 2018, but it's time to let go of the past and focus on the present.

And what's really disturbing is that some fans are still holding onto this grudge, fueled by their own sense of grievance. It just goes to show how petty and hurtful people can be when they're trying to vent their emotions. Smith's just trying to do his job, and yet he's still getting roasted by the very fans who are supposed to support him.

I guess what I'm saying is that we need to take a step back and reflect on our own behavior. Are we really doing this to Smith because of something he did, or are we just acting out of bitterness and spite? It's a tough question to answer, but maybe if we can confront our own demons, we'll be able to find some empathy for Steve Smith and others who've been affected by the abuse.

man, its crazy how cricket can turn people into complete strangers to each other, you know? like, steve smith is already dealing with the shame of getting caught ball-tampering back in 2018 and now he's gotta deal with fans booing him every time he steps onto the pitch? it's not right

i mean, darren lehmann makes some valid points, though. the way england fans are treating smith is just plain toxic. its like they think they're getting some sort of closure by hurting him all over again. but lehmann says that the abuse is daily, and to be honest, it's hard for someone to move on from that kinda stuff.

it's like, we need to find a way to forgive people, you know? smith made a mistake, he owned up to it, and now he's trying to make amends. but fans are still holding onto their anger, and its not healthy

Wow ! Can't believe how harsh the English fans are treating Steve Smith. One year ban and he still gets roasted like a lamb ! I mean, what's the point of all this? He's made his mistakes, learned from them, and now he's trying to move on. You'd think England fans would be more supportive, not savage . Lehmann's right, it is unbelievable how harsh they're being. Smith handled the scandal better than most people would in his shoes !

man i feel so bad for steve smith he's trying to do his thing on the field and people still gonna come at him like that? Darren lehmann is right though, the abuse is daily and it's not fair to the guy... i mean, who hasn't been in a tough situation before? https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/60635455

I gotta say, I think Smith is being a bit too sensitive here . I mean, come on, the guy got caught cheating, he's apologized and served his time, what more do you want? He's still out there playing cricket for Australia, so why should England fans be going after him like that? It's just a game, mate! The fact that fans are booing him every time he walks out onto the pitch is pretty annoying. I think Lehmann's right that it's not as bad as it could be, but still, Smith needs to toughen up a bit .