ICC condemns racist comments directed at South African players

The International Cricket Council today condemned the racist comments made by a small number of spectators towards the South African players during the first Test match between Australia and South Africa in Perth.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said that there was no place for racism in cricket.

"Cricket is an international game which is played by a diverse range of cultures and communities.

"Respect for each other is a key component of the game and racist comments have no place in cricket," said Mr Speed.

"The fact that this is an isolated incident by a small number of people in one country does not lessen the game's resolve to address the issue.

"We have in place an international anti-racism policy which all of our Members have signed up to.

"Each of our Members is committed to implementing this policy which deals firmly with the issue including the ejection of those responsible for this type of unacceptable behaviour.

"The ICC has now discussed this issue with Cricket Australia and the United Cricket Board of South Africa.

"Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to the ICC's Anti-Racism policy and has emphasised that it is taking the matter very seriously.

"It has also briefed the ICC on the steps that it is taking to deal with this issue and I would hope that all cricket fans in Australia will support Cricket Australia's efforts to avoid a repeat of this behaviour."