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Sydney - Former Australia cricket coach Darren Lehmann took a break from social media on Tuesday after his Twitter account was hacked and used to post "vile" content, including anti-Iran messages.
The 49-year-old is now coach of Brisbane Heat in the domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League and he was focused on their upset win over Sydney Thunder on Monday when the incident occurred.
The person responsible used his account to promote anti-Iran messages and propaganda to Lehmann's 341 000 followers.
Global tensions are running high after US forces killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad, with Tehran threatening retaliation.
Lehmann said he was stunned and upset by what happened, with Twitter having since resolved the problem and removed the content.
"As you have probably noticed, last night while we were playing our BBL game, someone hacked my accounts and used it to spread some malicious and hurtful statements," he said.
"To see such vile and horrendous opinions used in my name has caused great upset to me and my family. I've decided to have a break from social media for the foreseeable future.
"It has taken until this morning to have it resolved through Twitter despite me addressing it as soon as I become aware of it after the game," added Lehmann, who quit as Australia coach last year after a ball-tampering scandal.
His club Brisbane Heat apologised for any offence caused by the hacked messages.
Hi everyone
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) January 7, 2020
As you have probably noticed, last night while we were playing our BBL game, someone hacked my accounts and used it to spread some malicious and hurtful statements. The words and sentiments used were definitely ones that I do not endorse or promote. (Cont)
. To see such vile and horrendous opinions used in my name has caused great upset to me and my family. I’ve decided to have a break from social media for the foreseeable future. I appreciate your understanding and apologies to anyone who was unnecessary hurt or offended. (Cont)
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) January 7, 2020
by those hacked tweets and posts. It has taken until this morning to have it resolved through Twitter despite me addressing it as soon as I become aware of it after the game. Thanks to the staff at Brisbane Heat and Cricket Australia for helping us through this awful experience.
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) January 7, 2020
