Mumbai: Cricket has seen many incidents where players have got into a heated argument but this one tops them all. A club cricket match in Bermuda took an ugly turn when players got physically involved and not only words, but punches also were exchanged.
It all started when Jason Anderson, representing Cleveland County Cricket Club provoked Willow Cuts Cricket Club batsman George O'Brien, which resulted in a heated argument so much so that the pitch almost turned into a wrestling ring.
Anderson, who has featured 14 times for Bermuda has been handed a life-ban immediately after the horrifying incident while O’Brien was suspended for six matches.
It was Anderson who first initiated the brawl by slapping O’Brien on the back of his head. His opponent didn’t think twice to swing his bat at him, which almost ripped his skull off. Both players continued the tussle and threw each other to the ground.
(Photos: Screengrab)
The players and umpires tried to intervene but failed following which security was called onto the field. Carlton Smith, Cleveland President ordered Anderson to leave the field. Anderson was found guilty of breaching Level 4 Code of Conduct that involves physically assaulting another player. The match however resumed and Cleveland went on to win by 72 runs.
Cleveland captain Allan Douglas, speaking after the game, said he did not know specifically what led to the horrific scenes. "I think a little bit of frustration built up by Jason, dropping a catch and missing a stumping, but I don't know what was said between George and Jason because I was at the other end of the wicket (bowling)," Douglas told 'The Royal Gazette'.
"Once I saw those two going at it, that's when I decided to jump into the middle and try to break it up; me and Aaron Adams," he added.
The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) found Anderson guilty of a Level 4 offence. "Jason Anderson formally of Cleveland County Cricket Club has been found guilty of a Level 4 2.4.2 of the Code of Conduct: Physical assault of another player and has been given a life ban from all forms of cricket and any involvement in the game of cricket in Bermuda in any capacity," the Board said.
While for O' Brien it said: "George O’Brien of St David's County Cricket Club has been found guilty of a Level 3 2.3.2 of the Code of Conduct: Threat of assault on another player and has been banned from all cricket for a period sufficient to include 6 Logic 50 over matches."
The BCB later issued a statement: "We condemn this act without reservation and support the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control as well as the Willow Cuts and Cleveland County Clubs as they seek to end this irrational behavior on our sporting grounds and community."
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