Stuart Broad fined by father Chris for using inappropriate language
He now has an aggregate of three demerit points in the last 24 months
ESPNcricinfo staff
11-Aug-2020
Stuart Broad breaks through at Old Trafford • Getty Images
Stuart Broad has been docked 15% of his match fee by referee Chris Broad for using inappropriate language in the first Test against Pakistan, thus becoming the first player to be fined by his father. As a result, one demerit point was added against him owing to that being a Level 1 offence.
Broad was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match."
The incident took place in the 46th over of Pakistan's second innings on the fourth morning of the match, when Broad used inappropriate language after having Yasir Shah caught behind. Broad admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction given, with no need of a formal hearing.
He's off the Christmas card & present list
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 11, 2020
Before England hosted West Indies in the first Test of the rejigged home summer, Broad had told the Mail on Sunday he remained wary of the fact that his father would be the match referee owing to the travel restrictions in place due to Covid-19.
"Sure, if he was an umpire I could understand that because he could have a subconscious influence on decisions that are made on the field," Broad said. "No offence to him here but he sits in an office and if I, or anyone else, breaks the code of conduct he simply looks up the regulations in a handbook and determines the appropriate sanction from the relevant section.
"There is no emotion in a match referee's job. From experience - and I've played 138 Tests - you only see a match ref if you're in trouble. Often they are sat in a different building. You only tend to meet at breakfast in the hotel or on the outfield before the start of play. From a selfish point of view, I'd love the chance to be able to have a coffee and catch-up with dad in a bio-secure environment."
Ironically, it was right under the nose of match referee Chris that Stuart also got his 500th Test wicket in the third Test against West Indies a few weeks back.