Cricket Aus calls for zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour

Cape Town [South Africa], Mar. 24 (ANI): Following a statement from Cricket South Africa (CSA) condemning the behaviour of a few fans at Newlands, Cape Town, now Cricket Australia (CA) has called for a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.

On Friday, a fan was removed from the ground after verbally antagonising Australian opener David Warner on the staircase towards the dressing rooms while other spectators were also removed after wearing t-shirts that insulted Warner's wife, Candice Warner, Sport24 reported.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann had addressed the media after the day's play and revealed that his players had been the victims of personal abuse throughout the series and that the behaviour of the spectators in Cape Town had been "disgraceful".

"We are extremely disappointed that a small number of fans have directed such offensive and inappropriate behaviour towards our players and members of their families. Our Chairman David Peever, who is in Cape Town, has taken the matter up directly with relevant CSA officials, including President, Chris Nenzani," Sport24 quoted CEO, Cricket Australia, James Sutherland as saying.

Sutherland went on to acknowledge the extra steps that CSA have put in place for the remainder of the tour but called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other member countries to take a zero-tolerance approach to fans who engage in anti-social behaviour.

Earlier today, Cricket South Africa expressed disappointment at the behaviour of the Newlands crowd during the third Test in Cape Town and asked for better behaviour moving forward.

"We have since taken it upon ourselves to beef up our security personnel to ensure that players from both sides don't have to endure such unfortunate behaviour. Both CSA and the players encourage supporters to continue rooting for their teams and also to behave in a decorous manner that will allow this Test series to be played in true spirit of the game," acting CEO, Cricket South Africa, Thabang Moroe had said. (ANI)