STOKES STORM
Ben facing ban for foul-mouthed bust-up with fan
ENGlANd were last night anxiously waiting to hear whether Ben Stokes was facing disciplinary action that could include a suspension after being caught up in a foul-mouthed exchange with an abusive spectator.
A South African supporter ran towards the players’ area to shout at Stokes, apparently comparing him to singer Ed Sheeran, before he headed up the tunnel here after he had been dismissed for two in England’s 192 for four on the first day of the final Test.
Stokes risked the wrath of the
International Cricket Council when he reacted angrily and was picked up by TV microphones saying ‘come and say that to me outside you f****** four-eyed c***.’ But last night Stokes appeared to try to pre-empt any disciplinary action by apologising for the incident, with England also calling for extra security to combat what they saw as persistent abuse of their players and support staff at the Wanderers. ‘I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on live broadcast after my dismissal,’ said Stokes in a statement. ‘I should not have reacted in that way. ‘As I was leaving the playing area I was subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd. I admit my reaction was unprofessional but one incident will not ruin such a competitive series we are determined to win.’ England team director Ashley Giles, who has arrived in South Africa for this final Test, supported Stokes when he revealed that the incident was far from isolated. ‘It is disappointing that a member of the public has gone out of their way to abuse Ben,’ said Giles. ‘Ben is fully aware he should not have reacted in that way and apologises but in addition to this incident members of our support staff were subjected to personal abuse during and after the day’s play. ‘We have requested security and stewarding are enhanced for the remainder of the match so players and staff can go about their duties without provocation.’ The ICC have 24 hours from the incident to charge Stokes and, with Sky forced to apologise to their viewers, England last night waited to hear how serious match referee Andy Pycroft would deem the offence to be. Pycroft has already dished out level one action in this series against Jos Buttler for calling Vernon Philander a ‘f****** k*******’ in Cape Town and Kagiso Rababa in Port Elizabeth for over-zealously celebrating the wicket of Joe Root. It is likely Pycroft will deem this to be on the same level but it is possible the referee might feel Stokes actions worthy of a level three ICC offence that would carry the threat of a suspension for one Test or two one-day internationals. Level three in the code of conduct centres on the threat of assault on another player, support personnel, official or any other person (including a spectator) in an international match. And by asking the spectator ‘outside’ Stokes did seem to be picking a fight. England clearly feel he was severely provoked before he did so.