Behardien, Viljoen handed one-match suspensions

Titans batsman Farhaan Behardien and Lions' Hardus Viljoen have been handed out one-match suspensions in the Sunfoil series after being found guilty of using language that was "seriously obscene, offensive or insulting" during a match played at the Supersport Park between November 20 and 23.

Behardien will miss Titans' next match that starts on December 19 against Warriors while Viljoen is not eligible for the Lions' match against Dolphins.

"I take into account the fact that both players have admitted the offence," Ryan Cloete, the CSA disciplinary commissioner, said. "I further take into account that the language used was in the heat of the moment, that both players regret their behaviour and have clean disciplinary records.

"However, having taken all factors into account, it is important that an effective penalty be imposed. Both players are seasoned professional cricketers and Mr. Behardien has represented the national team. The joint submission made by Mr. Behardien and Mr. Viljoen that they did not regard the language used as offensive, seems to be an attempt by both players to evade any possible penalty and one must question the sincerity thereof.