Channel Nine sports presenter Tony Jones has strongly criticized Virat Kohli, labeling him “nothing but a bully” following a tense encounter with reporters at Melbourne Airport. The altercation has sparked a growing tension between the Australian and Indian media teams.
Kohli’s Frustration With Camera Crews At Melbourne Airport
Last week, Kohli, 36, became upset with camera crews waiting outside the arrivals lounge to interview players for the Boxing Day Test. Kohli expressed frustration when he believed a film crew was capturing footage of his family. “With my kids, I need some privacy. You can’t film without asking me,” Kohli was overheard saying.
Clarification From Media: No Filming Of Kohli’s Family
7News reporter Theo Doropoulos explained that Kohli’s reaction was based on a misunderstanding, as he believed the cameras were focused on his children. Both Channel 7 and Channel 9 denied filming Kohli’s family during their arrival at the airport.
Jones Defends The Media’s Role And Critiques Kohli’s Reaction
Jones argued that Kohli’s response was disproportionate but not entirely surprising. On 3AW, Jones explained, “It was an unpleasant incident, to say the least,” pointing out that the reporters were simply doing their job by capturing identities, whether of politicians, celebrities, or athletes.
Kohli’s Behavior Towards A Female Reporter Sparks Outrage
What particularly angered Jones was Kohli’s treatment of a female reporter. “What really got me was when he turned to the three men—the two cameramen and the reporter from Channel 7—and said, ‘You guys are OK, it’s her.’ Really? Big tough man, Virat?” Jones remarked.
He added that Kohli then stood over Nat Yoannidis, who is about five foot one or two, and berated her, calling him “nothing but a bully.”
