2-year ban for spectator

AN Auckland man responsible for racially abusing England cricketer Jofra Archer at the Bay Oval has been banned from attending international and domestic fixtures in New Zealand for two years.

Archer was targeted by racial abuse on the final day of the first test between England and New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in November, eventuating in a complaint being laid with Tauranga police.

As a result of their inquiries, police have spoken to a 28-year-old Auckland man who has admitted responsibility for the abuse. He was issued with a verbal warning for using insulting language.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have since contacted the man and have also written to him, advising of his ban from fixtures in New Zealand until 2022.

NZC spokesman Anthony Crummy said if the man breached the conditions of his ban and attended a fixture he would be removed from the venue and could become subject to further police action.

“We’d again like to extend our apologies to Jofra and the England team management for such an unsavoury incident and reiterate once more that this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable,” said Crummy.

Crummy said NZC would continue to treat offensive language and/or behaviour seriously, with anti-racist messages posted on signs around the grounds, on the big screen, and delivered by ground-announcers.

In addition, spectators at all venues would be encouraged to use NZC’s text alert system to notify ground security of any anti-social behaviour, including racist taunts and abuse.

He is someone who dedicated almost his entire life to the public and to sport – Simon Ndiaye