Ben Stokes could face disciplinary action after his altercation with a spectator during the South Africa vs England Test match in Johannesburg on Friday.
The incident took place after Ben Stokes was dismissed for just two runs on the first day of England’s test match against South Africa on Friday in which England ended the day on 192-4.
As Stokes made his way to the tunnel, a spectator hurled some insults his way. Stokes who was already emotional given his quick and early dismal was unable to hold back and shouted:
“Come and say it to me outside the ground, you f***ing four-eyed c***.”
Unfortunately for Ben Stokes, the eyes of the world were watching and heard his outburst as it was captured by the cameras and broadcasted all around the world.
Stokes later went on to issue the following apology on his twitter page:
“I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on the live broadcast today after my dismissal. I should not have reacted in that way,” said Stokes.
“As I was leaving the playing area, I was subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd.”
“I admit that my reaction was unprofessional, and I sincerely apologise for the language I used, especially to the many young fans watching the live telecast around the world.”
“Throughout the Tests so far, the support from both sets of fans has been brilliant. One incident will not ruin such a competitive series, which we are determined to win.”
HE now awaits to see if match referee Andy Pycroft of Zimbabwe will issue out any disciplinary action towards him for the unsportsmanlike behaviour.
This is a blow for Stokes who was just starting to rebuild is reputation after being banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board for bringing the game into disrepute when he was criminally charged for participating in a street brawl in 2017 outside a nightclub in England.
Although he was acquitted, the damage to his reputation had already been done.
Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket Ashley Giles has called on the stadium to increase security to avoid incidents like this from happening again as he said that this was not an isolated incident as members of their support staff had also been verbally harassed.
He went on to say:
“In addition to this incident, members of our support staff were subjected to personal abuse during and after the day’s play,” he said.
“We have requested to the venue to ensure that security and stewarding are enhanced for the remainder of the match so that players and staff members can go about their duties without provocation.”
