CA contact Facebook over Broad threat

A Facebook page called "100,000 likes and I'll tackle Stuart Broad on Boxing Day" has been contacted by Cricket Australia, and the people behind it told to take it down, and if they carry out the threat they will be criminally charged.

The page had already reached the required number for the Broad tackle promise to be fulfilled, but CA have contacted Facebook to get the page taken down. The ECB also urged fans to avoid making violent threats against the fast bowler.

Broad became persona non grata Down Under during the Ashes earlier this year, when he refused to walk after catching a thick edge off Ashton Agar at Trent Bridge. The vitriol towards the paceman did not abate in the three months between series.

In a statement during the first Test in Brisbane, CA said: "Cricket Australia takes this issue seriously and will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, or anyone encouraging it, at any cricket match.

"We've been in contact with Facebook to request the specific page be removed and will be passing on all available information to the relevant authorities. "Anyone considering acting in this way is not welcome at the cricket and offenders will be subject to criminal charges and fines at all venues. Fines for entering the field of play vary from venue to venue but range in the thousands of dollars per offence."

The ECB said: "The ECB deplores any threats made towards any player and would urge Facebook to accede to Cricket Australia's request to remove the offending and offensive page. There is no place in cricket for the incitement to violence of any form." -