Australian board tells 'idiot' fans to stay away

James Sutherland tells the media that 'idiots' will not be tolerated © Getty Images

Cricket Australia warned fans that "idiots" would not be tolerated at the upcoming Ashes series.

South African players complained about being racially abused by crowds while touring earlier this year and Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said he wanted spectators to be well-behaved during the Ashes. "Action will be taken against anyone who fails to show respect for the people around them," he said.

New initiatives for the eagerly-anticipated Ashes series, which begins at Brisbane on November 23, include a mobile-phone text-messaging system to warn venue management about anti-social behaviour and extra security. There will also be increased closed-circuit television monitoring of crowds and announcements from pre-recorded appeals from Australian players for good behaviour during matches. Australian grounds already sell low alcohol beer at international cricket matches following crowd problems in previous years at one-day matches.

Sutherland said Cricket Australia wanted to create a family atmosphere for genuine fans to enjoy watching England and Australia do battle. "No doubt there will be some idiots over the summer who do the wrong thing but we can assure fans that we will do all we can this season and in subsequent seasons to make their day the best it can be."

The rivalry between fans is expected to be intense during the sell-out series, with the tourists receiving vocal backing from the Barmy Army and the home fans itching to avenge last year's defeat in England.