Llong's umpiring can cost him a ride home: Sachin fans

Kolkata, Nov 7 — If Twitteratis are to be believed, it will be a long shot for umpire Nigel Llong to get out of the country without facing irate fans of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar who was given out in a contentious decision Thursday.

A pindrop silence descended on the Eden as Llong raised his finger while the Windies players jumped in joy on the second day of the first cricket Test between India and the West Indies here.

The crowd was cheering every move of the cricketing genius since he came out to bat. The entire stadium rose as Tendulkar made the long walk back to the pavilion, but the ovation was tinged with sadness.

Facing offie Shane Shillingford, Tendulkar tried to defend from his crease and the ball straightened past the outside edge and hit the back leg quite high. Tendulkar, who has been the victim of dubious decisions on a number of occasions earlier, went out silently but anguish and pain were writ large on his face.

Even English cricketer Michael Vaughn hinted at the anger of Kolkata fans well-known for considering cricket as a religion.

"Nigel Llong might need little help getting out of India @Queen_UK #INDvsWI," tweeted Vaughn.

Echoing Vaughn, Tendulkar's admirers also chirped away warnings: "Now Nigle Llong need Z+ security for leaving Kolkata."

Another said, "Dear (Umpire) Nigel Llong ! U ll suffer for ur wrong judgement."

While Llong's decision was adjudged "wrong umpiring" by most, some also went to the extent of accusing him of prejudice.

"One does not simply get Sachin Tendulkar OUT. You need a wrong umpiring to send him off."

"Umpires must be wise over Sachin Tendulkar...... Decisions should not be prejudised with personal opinions...Shame on Decision.."

-- Indo Asian News Service