NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Spinner Graeme Swann has been fined 10 percent match fee for using offensive language during England’s two-wicket defeat by Bangladesh in Chittagong, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday.
The off-spinner subsequently apologised to the on-field umpires and pleaded guilty to the Level 1 offence under the ICC code of conduct, the governing body said.
On-field umpires Rod Tucker and Darryl Harper and third umpire Aleem Dar brought the charge against Swann for “using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an international match” during Friday’s encounter.
“Graeme became frustrated and upset at the condition of the second ball in use during the Bangladesh innings,” match referee Jeff Crowe said in a statement.
“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.
“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.
“At the conclusion of the match Graeme accepted the sanction and there was no need for a full hearing.”
Sanction for such offence range from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 percent of match fee.
