Ireland's O'Brien banned after ICC Code of Conduct breach

Ireland's Niall O'Brien has been banned for one ICC Intercontinental Cup match after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.

The Ireland wicketkeeper, who plays first-class cricket in England for county side Kent, was also warned about his future conduct when the judgment was handed down.

O'Brien was found guilty of a Level 2 offence during Ireland's ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Scotland in Aberdeen last month.

Match referee David Jukes found the player guilty of clause 2.8, which refers to "Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, team official or spectator."

The offence occurred when O'Brien expressed his dissatisfaction in conditions to Mannofield groundsman Ken McCurdie after heavy overnight rain got under the covers and prevented a restart in play on the third day of the match.

Mr Jukes said: "The heavy rain that ruined a fascinating match was a cause of frustration for everyone concerned but that was no excuse for Mr O'Brien's outburst.

"Mr O'Brien let himself and his team down and, although he has since apologised, he and all other players need to be aware that such inappropriate conduct has consequences.

"As one of the few fully professional cricketers taking part in the match Mr O'Brien should have been setting an example rather than behaving in this manner.

"In addition to the ban, the player has been warned that the ICC will view any repeat of this behavior in a very bad light," added Mr Jukes.

The charge against Mr O'Brien was lodged by ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed and the hearing took place via teleconference.

Ireland's next ICC Intercontinental Cup match is an away fixture against the United Arab Emirates in February 2007.

The hearing into Mr O'Brien's conduct was one of four that resulted from the Scotland - Ireland match.

Ireland captain Trent Johnston, Scotland captain Craig Wright and Scotland coach Peter Drinnen were all charged with the Level 1 offence of "Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on, a match related incident or match official."

Mr Johnston and Mr Drinnen both pleaded guilty and were given official reprimands with Mr Johnston, as captain, warned about his future conduct. Mr Wright was found not guilty.

The charges against Mr Johnston, Mr Drinnen and Mr Wright were lodged by the two on-field umpires Niels Bagh and Shahul Hameed.

Mr Johnston's hearing was attended by the player, the match referee and Ireland team manager Roy Torrens; Mr Drinnen attended the hearing into the charge against him, together with the match referee and Cricket Scotland's Chief Executive Roddy Smith; and Mr Wright's hearing was attended by the player, the match referee, Mr Smith and Mr Drinnen.

Mr Jukes added: "Public criticism of officials undermines the fundamental principles on which the game has been built.

"They include the fact that the umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play and that it is against the Spirit of the Game to dispute a decision by word, action or gesture.

"It is vital that all players and officials adhere to those principles and conduct themselves accordingly."

The match finished as a draw when the last two days of the match were washed out with Scotland taking six points by virtue of securing a first innings lead.