West Indies bowler apologises over his ‘homophobic’ comments
A WEST INDIES cricketer has said sorry to England captain and Yorkshire player Joe Root for ‘homophobic’ comments made during a Test match.
Shannon Gabriel gave an unreserved apology for comments during the third Test between the West Indies and England.
The West Indies fast bowler has published a statement in which he has explained and apologised for the incident which overshadowed this week’s match in St Lucia.
Gabriel has been banned for four matches by the International Cricket Council following an onfield exchange between himself and England captain Root which allegedly contained homophobic remarks.
Microphones captured Root saying, “Don’t use it as an insult, there’s nothing wrong with being gay,” in response to a comment made by Gabriel.
What Gabriel had said prior to that was not picked up but the 30-year-old accepted the ICC charge.
That incurred demerit points and triggered a ban which covers the first four one-day internationals of the upcoming series between the two teams.
The statement reads: “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-thefield rivalry, I assumed was inoffensive picong and sporting banter.
“I know now that it was offensive and for that I am deeply sorry.”
The Trinidadian went on to offer his version of what occurred on field.
He wrote: “The exchange occurred during a tense moment on the field.”
The incident occurred as Root compiled 122 during England’s second innings, ultimately helping his side to a comprehensive 232-run win.
Root has received widespread praise for the way he handled the matter. For his part, the England captain has not commented on the details of the exchange.