Kevin Pietersen rips apart Australian carrier Qantas as he was refused entry to an airline lounge for wearing flip flops. England exile Pietersen called them “muppets”.
The star batsman got angry after the incident as he traveled to Australia to play for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) after his Dolphins side lost in the final of South Africa’s Twenty 20 competition RamSlam on Saturday.
“I suggest you tell Platinum, First Class fliers that they not allowed in your lounges with flip flops before they fly, @Qantas! Muppets!,” he tweeted to his 2.88 million followers.
“And BTW, @Qantas! Thongs (flip flops) are an institution in this great country! GET A GRIP! Tired, jet lagged & just wanted to chill! #Muppets.”
Qantas has changed the dress code rules for entry to lounges earlier this year saying a survey of business travelers overwhelmingly supported the move.
“@KP24. It must have been disappointing Kevin. Changes from earlier this year. Hope to welcome you back again soon,” Qantas tweeted in response.
A spokesman of airline told AFP Tuesday that “we reached out to members early in 2015 to remind them of the dress standards and had a grace period up until April this year”.
“We completely understand that being declined at the door isn’t a great experience, so this is a good opportunity to remind those wanting to use our capital city lounges of the dress code that applies,” he added.
However, Pietersen is happy as he is back in Australia.
“Anyway, it’s soooooo cool being back in Aus! I know so many wonderful people here! Can’t wait to see you all over the next month!,” he said.
The Twenty20 Big Bash League starts on Thursday.
Kevin has been good form in the tournament, so it is expected that he should countine his form for Melbourne Stars.