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Bhajji banned for calling Symonds a Monkey.

Filed under Cricket Controversies Ind v Aus Sydney test 2008

Out of thousand examples you'll find, on biased nature of International cricket council (ICC), following is just another one -- India's off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been given a ban of 3 test matches by ICC match referee for calling Australia's Andrew Symonds as "a Big Monkey" on 3rd day of Sydney test match, 2-6Jan 2008.. ignoring words like "F_ck", "F_ck-off" and "B_stard" which were used by Australian players in the same match.

Note : Harbhajan was found guilty under Section 3.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which says -- players or team officials “using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, gender, colour, descent, or national or ethic origin”.

Fact : None of the on field umpires had heard Harbhajan saying anything such to Andrew Symonds, neither there was any audio or video evidence of it. it was one man's allegation against another man without any witness or proof! South African match referee Mike Proctor (after 6 hour meeting/hearing involving captain Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, manager Chetan Chauhan & media manager MV Sridhar from Indian side and Captain Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds from opposition), said "I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Harbhajan Singh directed that word at Andrew Symonds and he meant it to offend on the basis of Symonds' race or ethnic origin".. we wonder what makes Proctor so sure??

Update 0700hrs : 7 January 2008 : Harbhajan Singh (or Indian board from their players side) can appeal against the ban, to International Cricket Council’s (ICC) legal counsel in writing within 24 hours. While the appeal is under consideration, the off-spinner could continue playing for India in this current India vs Australia test series.. if selected in playing eleven!

Update 2100hrs : 9 January 2008 : Stay orders have been brought on Harbhajan's ban for 3 test matches, and new zealand judge "John Hensen" has been appointed to re-hear the case. Meanwhile, Harbhajan can play for India till the case is completely dropped!

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