Fan arrested, banned for abuse

New Zealand Cricket has banned a Bay Oval spectator for the rest of the home season after he was evicted, then returned to unleash a tirade of abuse at a commentator during Sunday night’s final

Twenty20 international. A 24-year-old man was arrested for trespass about

10.20pm after he and another man were escorted out by security when they took exception to an Indian commentator declining a request to sign an autograph. The commentator’s identity was not revealed.

One of the men somehow made his way back into Bay Oval and continued the tirade which led to police intervening. Stuff understands it was not racist abuse, and the arrested man was also of Indian descent.

Last month an Auckland man was banned by NZC from attending matches for two years for directing a racist insult at

England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the Mount Maunganui test in November.

Sunday’s incident described as unsavoury, abuse loud and foul-mouthed.

NZC public affairs manager Richard Boock said the man would be banned from New Zealand grounds for the rest of the home season. NZC is weighing up any further action, but the fact it was not racist abuse puts in a less serious category than the Archer incident.

‘‘At the moment, as far as his future entry to arenas for the rest of the home international summer, any booking he has made has been blocked while we’re assessing what went on and deciding what should happen,’’ Boock said.

A police spokesperson said the 24-year-old arrested man was given a pre-charge warning.

Boock said 12 fans were evicted from Bay Oval for unruly behaviour – either offensive language or disruption to other spectators. Two were arrested for was the regaining entry.

A crowd of 6250 watched India sweep the Black Caps 5-0 in the

Twenty20 series after winning Sunday’s game five by seven runs.

The crowd was described by those at the ground as high spirited and animated but not a ‘‘drunk’’ crowd.

Friday’s fourth game at Wellington’s Sky Stadium attracted

13,295 and was marred by two instances of pitch invasions which halted play. The first saw a man enter the playing arena and casually stroll towards the pitch then begin to run, before he was tackled by security staff who appeared slow to react.

A plethora of Indian fans at each ground have added hugely to the spectacle and atmosphere of the series.

Boock said NZC was happy with the crowds for the T20 series which – as they did a year ago – started at the late hour of 8pm. The India tour continues with the first of three ODIs in Hamilton, starting at 3pm tomorrow.