Mumbai, Nov 17 A day after Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray criticised Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar for his "I am an Indian first" comment, Sena's mouthpiece 'Saamna' on Tuesday defended Thackeray's stand.

The article claimed that Thackeray's comments found support in Maharashtra.

The article said that while many political leaders have criticised Thackeray's stand, the Marathi people have backed him to the hilt.

Thackeray's reaction is one that speaks of his loyalty for Maharashtra. Maharashtrians have said that his reactions is right for the Marathi manoos," read the article.

Earlier on Monday, Thackeray had slammed Tendulkar for his statement that he is an Indian first and then a Maharashtrian.

Thackrey said Sachin should just concentrate on cricket and stay away from politics.

He also warned Sachin that he should not lose the goodwill he has earned in cricket by getting into the political arena.

He said Sachin's comment has hurt the sentiment of the Marathi Manoos.

Earlier on the eve of completing 20 years in international cricket, Sachin had said, Mumbai belongs to India. I am a Maharashtrian and am extremely proud of that, but I am an Indian first. (ANI)