Gabriel’s apology as he admits asking Root: Do you like boys?
WEST INDIES bowler Shannon Gabriel has revealed he asked England’s Joe Root if he ‘liked boys’ during the third Test — words for which he has now apologised. The ICC have banned the 30-year-old for four one-day internationals for the comments which prompted Root to say: ‘Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.’ Gabriel said in a statement: ‘I know now that it was offensive and for that I am deeply sorry. To my team-mates and members of the England team, especially their captain Joe Root, I extend an unreserved apology for a comment which in the context of on-the-field rivalry, I assumed was inoffensive sporting banter. ‘The pressure was on and England’s captain Joe Root was looking at me intensely as I prepared to bowl, which may have been the usual
psychological strategy with which all Test cricketers are familiar. I recognise now that I was attempting to break through my own tension when I said to Joe Root, “Why are you smiling? Do you like boys?” ‘His response, which was picked up by the microphone was, “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay”. ‘I then responded, “I have no issues with that, but you should stop smiling at me”.’ Gabriel was charged under article 2.13, which relates to the personal abuse of a player. England’s Moeen Ali, who revealed last year he had been called ‘Osama’ by a member of the Australia side during a 2015 Ashes Test, believes cricket has to take a firm line against unacceptable
sledging. ‘I don’t know what was said in this case but there is no need to be personal,’ said Moeen. ‘Sledge them about their cricket. If you don’t think they are good, tell them. It’s the way society is. Things come out of people’s mouths but you’re not going to get away with it now.’ Moeen disagrees with England coach Trevor Bayliss that stump microphones should be turned down. ‘Put them up,’ he said. ‘Why turn them down? So people can swear? ‘It’s a shame because Shannon Gabriel is a really nice guy and a quiet person. But you have to be careful because we want to attract people to the game. Imagine all the legendary old stories if we had them all recorded. We can do it now. ‘It doesn’t have to be swearing. Keep it funny. Don’t go personal. It’s time for people to behave themselves.’