Chittagong (Bangladesh), March 12: England spinner Graeme Swann was fined 10 percent of his match fee for using obscene gestures during the team’s World Cup match against Bangladesh, which it lost by two wickets, here Friday.
Swann was charged with a Level 1 offence under article 2.1.4 of the code which relates to, “Using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an international match”.
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Rod Tucker and Darryl Harper and third umpire Aleem Dar, all from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.
“Graeme became frustrated and upset at the condition of the second ball in use during the Bangladesh innings. His comments to the on-field umpires during the 26th over of the innings were unacceptable and an over later Graeme, realising this, made a genuine apology to the umpires for his actions,” said Match Referee Jeff Crowe.
“While it was recognised that, because of the dew, this was a difficult period to be in the field, it is also a fact that these conditions are not uncommon on the sub-continent,” Crowe added.
Swann pleaded guilty to the charge but the matter was determined by Crowe under the provisions of the code and so there was no requirement for a full hearing.
“At the conclusion of the match, Graeme accepted the sanction and there was no need for a full hearing,” he added.
—IANS