Beyond the Test World

Sommer reprimanded for dissent

Germany’s Graham Sommer has been reprimanded after being found guilty of two breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during his side’s match against the USA in the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 in Jersey.

Germany’s Graham Sommer has been reprimanded after being found guilty of two breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during his side’s match against the USA in the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 in Jersey.
The punishment was handed down by match referee David Jukes following a hearing that took place on Monday after the USA won the match in question by six wickets. The player was charged under clauses 1.3 and 1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct which refer to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision” and “using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of an obscene gesture” respectively.
This followed an appeal for a lbw by Sommer which was turned by umpire Sanjeev Kad. The charges were laid by Kad, of Finland, and his fellow on-field umpire, Mike Carpenter of Jersey.
Explaining his decision after the hearing, Jukes said: “On the basis of the evidence put before me, it was proved beyond doubt that Mr Sommer showed dissent and also used language that was obscene after his appeal was turned down. Even though it is not the sort of example that players should be setting at any time, I decided to reprimand and warn Sommer of his future conduct for a period of 12 months after he showed a degree of remorse and apologised for his actions.”

Martin Williamson is executive editor of ESPNcricinfo and managing editor of ESPN Digital Media in Europe, the Middle East and Africa