Clubs apologise for on-field brawl

The two clubs involved in the ugly fracas at Queen's Park have publicly apologised for the onfield brawl that sullied domestic cricket last weekend.

Additionally, Super Centre Spartan and ICBL Empire will conduct internal investigations before determining if they will take disciplinary action against the players involved.

In reacting to a confrontation that involved Spartan's Sulieman Benn and Empire's Robin Parris last week Saturday, the two clubs yesterday said they regretted the incident in a joint statement just prior to the start of the second day of the Banks Division 1 match.

"As two respected clubs, we strive at all times for the highest standard of behaviour and sportsmanship from our players and will not compromise the very high standards which both clubs have exemplified at all times," the clubs said in a statement that was signed by Empire's secretary Michael Phillips and Spartan secretary Vincent Bullen.

"We wish to assure the Barbados Cricket Association, Barbados Cricket Umpires Association, members, supporters and the public of Barbados, that we will individually carry out our investigation into this matter to prevent any recurrence."

The furore developed after left-arm spinner Benn delivered a beamer to Parris just prior to the tea interval. When Parris was attempting to run a single off the next ball, television cameras captured Benn gently kicking him. Parris showed his frustration by walking past the stumps at the bowler's end and approached Benn in a face-to-face, glove-pointing, remonstration.

Asked by the Sunday Sun if either club was considering taking any action against the players involved, both parties said it was too premature to make any announcement at this stage.

"It is a case where an investigation would have to be done. All the facts would have to come before our committee of management and then a decision would be made," Phillips said. "It would be premature of me to say anything about disciplinary action at this stage because the evidence has not fully come out. We've only seen footage. We have to get all parties involved."

Spartan manager Harold Eastmond followed a similar line. "Our committee of management has requested that the manager, the captain Corey Yearwood and the coach Dave Marshall send in reports," Eastmond said. "A decision will be made based on those reports if it is to go before the disciplinary committee."

On Friday the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) indicated its intention to investigate the reports of indiscipline, and placed all clubs and schools on notice that the BCA would hold them responsible for the actions and behaviour of their members, players and spectators.