Gabriel warned amid homophobia storm

SHANNON GABRIEL was caught up in a homophobia storm after he was warned by the umpires for using foul and abusive language towards Joe Root. Tensions boiled over in the final Test of the Wisden Trophy but umpires Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena did not lay a charge against West Indies fast bowler Gabriel, believing their on-field intervention was sufficient. Footage from Sky Sports emerged on social media that appeared to suggest England captain Root said ‘there’s nothing wrong with being gay’ in reply to Gabriel in the 44th over of the second innings. The England captain refused to confirm what had provoked his comments while match referee Jeff Crowe was satisfied no homophobic language had been detected. The heated confrontation was not picked up by the stump microphones and West Indies interim coach Richard Pybus responded: ‘Nothing has been reported to me but if a comment was made we’ll review it and if it was untoward we’ll be addressing it.’ Root said: ‘It’s Test cricket, he’s an emotional guy trying to do everything he can to win a Test match. Sometimes people say things on the field they might regret, but they should stay on the field. He’s a good guy who plays hard cricket and is proud to be in the position he is. ‘The battle was a good contest, he’s had a wonderful series and he should be proud.’ Root, who hit an unbeaten 111, added: ‘When you play Test cricket there is no such thing as a dead rubber. You have the opportunity to play for your country and it means the world.’