ATHERTON_ILLY_STATEMENTS_25JUL94

Ray Illingworth has fined Mike Atherton 2000 pounds in an attempt to knock the ball tampering controversy on the head. However match referee Peter Burge is due to make another statement this afternoon, so this could run a little longer yet. Here is the texts of yesterday's press statements.

Mike Atherton:

Having spent some time looking at television footage and discussing with Ray Illingworth, I felt that the sooner I explained the situation the better. Yesterday evening I was asked to attend a meeting with the match referee, Mr Burge. After that meeting he issued a statement 'that he accepted the explanation I gave and that no action would be taken.' In my explanation I did not present all the facts.

I am here to explain what I did and to answer any questions you wish to ask. As you are aware we use sweat to get the bruises out of the ball and then rub to maintain the shine. It was very hot and humid out there yesterday, your hands get wet and this in turn dampens the ball when you handle it. You all saw me reach into my pocket, dry my fingers with some dirt in order not to dampen the ball. Whilst I told Mr Burge that I put my hand into my pocket to dry my fingers, I did not tell him that I used dirt to dry them; therefore my response to his questioning was incomplete. I would like to add that at no stage during my career have I ever used any substances to alter the condition of the ball. I would apologise to the match referee Mr Burge and the South African team. I hope everybody will accept my apology.

Ray Illingworth:

In discussing this incident with Michael Atherton this morning he told me that he had dried his fingers with some dirt in order not to dampen the ball. After giving this some consideration I decided that this matter should be resolved and put to rest as quickly as possible.

I took account that the match referee Mr Burge, was unaware of the full facts, that there had been no alteration to the condition of tha ball and that no artificial substance had been used. He used dirt to dry his fingers. Taking this into account I have decided to fine Michael on two counts. Firstly for using dirt. Secondly, for giving incomplete information to the match referee. He is to be fined 1000 punds on each count. 2000 pounds in total. As far as I am concerned this matter has been dealt with and is now closed.