Cricket: Styris, Johnson fined for heated clash

Scott Styris shrugs as Australia's Brad Haddin leads away Mitchell Johnson
Scott Styris shrugs as Australia's Brad Haddin leads away Mitchell Johnson
New Zealand's Scott Styris and Australia's Mitchell Johnson were both fined but escaped suspensions after they were found to have breached the International Cricket Council's code of conduct.

Styris was found guilty of a level one offence and fined 15 percent of his match fee while Johnson was found guilty of a level two offence, and fined 60 percent of his match fee.

The fines were handed down by ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle after their heated confrontation during New Zealand's two-wicket win in the first Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day match at McLean Park last night.

An ICC media release stated Johnson was charged with an offence, contrary to clause 2.2.4 of the code of conduct, which relates to "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play".

It related to an exchange with Styris at the conclusion of the 46th over during New Zealand's innings.

Initially, there was a verbal exchange between the two players but at that point Johnson approached Styris and made what the umpires felt was deliberate and inappropriate physical contact with his opponent.

Styris was charged with a level one offence, as umpires Rudi Koertzen and Tony Hill felt he contributed to the verbal exchange that preceded the physical contact.

His actions were found to contravene clause 2.1.8 which covers actions that are contrary to the spirit of cricket or bring the game into disrepute.

Both players pleaded guilty.

The charges were laid by on-field umpires Koertzen and Hill, as well as third umpire Chris Gaffaney.

Madugalle reminded both players of their responsibilities under the code.

"Sometimes in the heat of competition players cross over the line of what is acceptable behaviour and that has clearly happened in this case," Madugalle said in the statement.

"I made it clear to them that as role models it's important that they conduct themselves not only within the laws of cricket but also in keeping with the spirit of the game."

Offences included in level two of the ICC code of conduct can range from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of a player's match fee and/or two suspension points, which translates as a suspension of two ODIs or one test match.

Offences included in level one of the ICC code of conduct can range from an official reprimand up to 50 per cent of his or her match fee.

 

Add a Comment

OUTSTREAM