BBL fan sorry for racial salute

A BIG Bash League supporter who made a racist gesture at the Melbourne derby match has apologised and received a warning from Cricket Australia.

The Melbourne Renegades fan raised his arm and appeared to say “white power” as he saluted a boundary scored by Cameron White at the MCG on Saturday night.

The gesture, captured by television cameras, is associated with white supremacists, such as members of the Ku Klux Klan.

The man, a foundation member of the Renegades, has since written to the franchise, saying he “unreservedly” apologises and any racist undertone was accidental.

He said it was a poor attempt at humour and he was deeply embarrassed.

Cricket Australia (CA) issued him a formal warning but stopped short of banning him from attending games. The governing body referred the issue to local police. CA has attempted to crack down on racial vilification and anti-social behaviour in recent years.

Last summer, South Africa batsman Hashim Amla reported an offensive message that was displayed on the fence during the Hobart Test.

CA and police identified the man responsible with the help of witnesses and CCTV.

He was barred from attending any official cricket match in the country for three years.