Cricket Australia ban a spectator for racist comments against Hashim Amla
Cricket Australia have banned a spectator for 3 years from attending any matches in Australia for writing a racially offensive message on a fence inside the Bellerive Oval on Day 1 of the 2nd Test against South Africa. The offensive banner was reportedly aimed at South African batsman Hashim Amla.
The alleged person, who was watching the game had shown a placard, bearing offensive racist comments, directed towards South African batsman Hashim Amla. Tasmania police have spotted the culprit through CCTV footage and forwarded him to the Hobart Judiciary.
Confirming the incident, a Cricket Australia spokesperson said, "Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania can confirm a crowd behaviour issue that occurred on day one of the Commonwealth Bank Test match against South Africa in Hobart,” reported ESPN Cricinfo.
"Tasmania Police identified the person of interest through CCTV and witnesses in the area. Cricket Australia has issued the person with a three-year ban from any Cricket Australia match, nationally."
"Cricket Australia takes a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour at any of our matches, which includes racial vilification."
"Our message to any fan attending a match is that if you display anti-social behaviour, you will be removed and risk being banned from any cricket match across Australia, as well as police action being taken."
After Cricket Australia’s statement, Cricket South Africa also released an official statement, stating, “We have been informed that the man has been formally charged and has been handed a three-year ban from the stadium."
"From our point of view, it is disappointing and disconcerting because this is not the first act of racial vilification we have received while touring Australia over the years. It is unacceptable. There is absolutely no place for racial stereotyping and such offensive acts in society, let alone in sport.
"We thank Cricket Australia and the authorities for dealing with the matter in a swift, professional and stern way and for carrying out the full might of the law."
After winning the first Test, South Africa have put in another brilliant performance by bundling Australia out for a paltry 85 runs in the first innings and scored 171/5 when rain marred the second day’s proceedings.