England daily ordered to apologise to former South African skipper Graeme Smith

Johannesburg: England-based Sunday Times newspaper has been ordered by the South African Ombudsman to apologise to Graeme Smith, following its headline story in the weekend newspaper on March 08, 2015.

The British publication had stated as facts in its headlines, in the Twitter feed and in its column 'Mampara of the week' that Smith has advised his wife via SMS that he was getting a divorce, that he lied to her and is having 'secret divorce plans'.

(Photo: Screengrab)

The former South African Skipper, via his sports lawyer had filed a complaint with the Press Ombudsman, Johan Retief.

The Press Ombudsman found that the newspaper had breached the Press Codes on four counts, and thus directed the Sunday Times to apologise Smith for stating the allegations in question without supporting evidence, some wrong doing on Smith's part from its promotional posters therefore damaging his reputation and dignity, Sport24 reported.

Smith, pleased with the ruling, said that he was happy with the professionalism and thoroughness the case was dealt with.

He added that he always had good relations with the media but Sunday Times just went too far and that was tremendously unfair for him as well as his family.