Australian cricket chiefs on Thursday banned spectators from launching the Mexican wave at all remaining one-day international matches in the country.
Cricket Australia announced that the practice, in which spectators choreograph a wave effect in the grandstands by standing up in sections and raising their arms in the air, would be outlawed immediately.
The new policy, in effect at all international venues across Australia, was implemented after spectators threw objects in the air during the wave at some matches.
”While the wave itself is harmless, unfortunately the associated throwing of objects in the air is not,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement.
”At best, thrown objects cause discomfort such as being drenched with beer or plastic cups full of urine. But at worst they cause injuries to other spectators, and that’s not a risk we’re prepared to take anymore.”
He said the behaviour of fans at the cricket this summer had improved, but there were still people ruining the day for others.
Sutherland, however, insisted that banning the cheer was not aimed at stopping fans from enjoying themselves.
”It must be clear that banning the wave is not a move to stop people having fun at the cricket,” he said. — Sapa-AFP