OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Wednesday 5.25pm.
LANCE Klusener, South Africa’s star all-rounder, has been handed a four match ban, suspended for three months, after he was involved in verbal confrontation with Zimbabwean Guy Whittall. Klusener and Whittall had words after the latter’s dismissal in a triangular series match at St George’s Park on Sunday. International match referee Hannumant Singh’s disciplinary measures have been condemned from many quarters as being over-the-top.
Former South African coach Bob Woolmer, however, said in a televised interview that Klusener’s actions “were not necessary” and that Singh “was sending a message” to players that ill-doscipline will not be tolerated.
Whittall did not escape punishment either, and he was fined 30% of his match fee, suspended for a month, for also contravening the rules. A complaint against Klusener was lodged by Zimbabwean manager Declan Kelly, and South Africa’s World Cup hero was consequently found guilty by match referee Hannumant Singh of verbally abusing Whittall.
Both players’ suspensions will take effect if they are found guilty of similar offences within the specified period.