"What kind of disgusting behavior is this?" - Fans slam Australian media outlet after video of Virat Kohli’s fiery exchange with journalist goes viral

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is in the news again after Australian media outlet 7NEWS put out a video on X (formerly Twitter) stating the Indian cricketer was involved in a fiery confrontation at the Melbourne airport on Thursday, December 19. Kohli was spotted arriving at the Melbourne airport ahead of the fourth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test which is to be played at the MCG.

It appeared as though the Australian media was deliberately filming Virat along with his family, including his children.

"With my kids, I need some privacy yeah? You can't film without asking me," Kohli was heard saying at the airport.

It has been reported that the incident was a misunderstanding as the Australian media was interviewing pacer Scott Boland and that they turned the focus on Virat Kohli and his family when they were spotted. Fans have slammed the Australian media outlet on X after the video of Kohli’s 'fiery exchange' with a journalist has gone viral.

Here is the video of the incident:

A user replied to this video post, questioning the behavior of the media outlet.

"What kind of disgusting behavior is this? If someone doesn’t want their kids filmed, why do you feel entitled to ignore their boundaries? This is journalism at its absolute lowest!" the tweet read.

Another user put up a tweet saying the Australian media should leave Virat and his family alone. The fan wrote:

"These Australian journalists are classless, they have ZERO sense. This incident with Virat Kohli at the Melbourne airport should be condemned. Leave him and his family alone, idiots. He’s bigger than every superstar in Australia. Stay strong @imVkohli 🇮🇳❤️ #AUSvIND."

As per 7NEWS' video, the incident has led to tensions flaring ahead of the Melbourne Test. Several fans have questioned the connection between the incident and tension on the field, slamming the media house.

"What crap. What this has to do with 'tension on the field' 😂😂," a tweet read.

"Gutter level journalism. Nothing to do with what's happening on the field," another reply read.

Another user criticized the reporting with the tweet:

"Most nonsensical reporting. You guys need to give him his space. This has nothing to do with the on field tensions."

"On field tension has got nothing to do with his reaction about invading his privacy with his kids. Stop exaggerating ffs," stated another user.

Fans have also come out in support of Virat Kohli. One user replied stating Kohli has the right to protect his family.

"He has right to protect his family. It seems that Australian media will go to any extent to take his photos beating Indian media to be lowest," the tweet read.

Another user also questioned the reporting by the Australian media outlet, stating that Kohli was seen requesting the reporter and was nowhere involved in a 'fiery confrontation'.

Here are some other reactions from fans on X slamming the media outlet:

"First of all, the approach to this news by the presenters is completely inappropriate as they are mixing personal and professional fronts. And seeing Kohli all those years, how is that fiery confrontation, he's just asking it politely. Absolutely disgraceful news coverage bullying," a user tweeted.

"He went to the journos and very politely and respectfully asked them to not record the family. i see absolutely nothing fiery in this. anything for a few clicks ehh?" a user questioned the Australian media.

"If the guy is not willing to be filmed, why would a media channel try to cross the limit? It is better News7 stay in their limit," another reply read.

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Virat Kohli to move to London with his family?

The incident at the Melbourne airport has given rise to speculation about Virat Kohli moving permanently to London with his family due to privacy concerns. Newspaper Dainik Jagran interviewed his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma, who stated that Virat is set to leave India and shift to London soon.

“Yes, Virat is planning to move to London. He’ll leave India very soon,” Rajkumar was quoted as saying by Dainik Jagran newspaper.

The Indian superstar has been vocal time and again about the importance of privacy and has also requested to not be photographed, especially with his children around him.