Australia complain over fans’ ‘disgraceful’ abuse of players

CAPE TOWN: The Australian cricket team has laid an official complaint over what coach Darren Lehmann labelled “disgraceful” behaviour by spectators during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands.

“You are talking about abuse of various players and their families and personal abuse,” said Lehmann.

“It’s not on at a cricket game — not just here, it shouldn’t happen. You can have banter, that’s good fun, but it’s gone too far here.”

The principal target was Australian batsmen David Warner, who was approached by a spectator in the members’ stand after he was dismissed, causing Warner to stop and turn as he climbed the steps to the dressing room.

The pair appeared to exchange heated words with unconfirmed reports saying the spectator was evicted from the ground.

Lehmann said Warner was not the only Australian player to face personal abuse.

“There have been various incidents throughout the Test series but this one has taken the cake,” he said.

“We have lodged an official complaint with South African cricket.”

Lehmann acknowledged that Australian crowds had also been guilty of bad behaviour, notably in insulting South African batsman Hashim Amla on a previous tour.