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Procter defends Harbhajan ban, says 'it’s fair'

Agencies

Posted online: Tuesday , January 08, 2008 at 0823 hrs IST

Melbourne, January 8:: Mike Procter, the International Cricket Council referee, defended as "fair" his decision to ban Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh for alleged racial abuse of Andrew Symonds saying, as a "South African" he understood the word 'racism'."

Procter also refuted suggestions that India's expected appeal of the Harbhajan suspension - and subsequent threats to abandon the series if it is upheld - was tantamount to a gun to the head of the ICC.

He also labelled the past day "one of the most difficult of my life" and vowed to continue officiating the remaining two Tests in the India-Australia cricket series.

"I am South African, and I understand the word 'racism'," Procter, who played during the apartheid era, told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I have lived with it for much of my life. This was not a case of just taking the word of an Australian over an Indian. I stand by my decision. I believe the process was a fair one. I intend to carry on for the rest of the series, because I don't have a problem with India. I have always had a good rapport with Indian players.

"People are entitled to appeals. The hearing was not heated at all. It was very sound, and it took a lot of time."

"Obviously this has all been very difficult for me. I didn't get to sleep until 11 am, and then only for a couple of hours. It has been one of the most difficult days of my life."

Procter was uncertain of when the Harbhajan appeal would be held, but said a hearing into Brad Hogg's behaviour - levelled by the Indians, apparently in retaliation for Australia's complaint against Harbhajan - would be held in Perth on January 13 or 14.

"The appeal (Harbhajan) date is out of my hands now," Procter said.

Hogg stands accused of hurling abuse at Indian captain Anil Kumble during the Sydney Test.

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AUS 911
by AMPM on 2008-01-10 05:09:16.14864+05:30
The US did not care what the world though of it - they thought they could get away with anything, they denied the terrorism they were responsible for, they justified their tactics till 911 happened. Same is true for Aus cricket and its fans. They live in a fools world of myopic vision. The fact still remains that Aus has been a bully in cricket, have over many years sledged on field, their players behaved in questionable manner and when reminded of that denied any proof of such behavior. Now when they get it back they are trying to claim the opposite without any proof. I hope this event could be Ausies cricket 911.. the day of looking in the mirror or else it may come someday soon in a even worse form!
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Proctor
by M.Akhil Alisha on 2008-01-08 11:53:04.866157+05:30
What is that Proctor has understood of raciam. In South Africa is was part of that.In this case the punshiment given to Harbhajan is based on what the Australian players have complained. Niether of the umpire ever heard any thing of that sort. How can he take a decision based on one teams words with no proof. So any one can complain you punish the guy based on the complaiant with out proof? It is a simple logic Proctor seems to have not understood. I do not think Proctor is fit to be a match referee.
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vote for Harbhajan
by jeewan chandra upreti on 2008-01-08 10:52:33.297567+05:30
shame on Australia,i can't explain, we should back home immediatly
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CRICKET
by Capt. Narendra on 2008-01-08 10:30:41.483666+05:30
If Mr. Procter understands racism, I am sure he means institutionalized racism. And it is institution that he represents. By definition, racism means prejudice plus power. Here we see that the prejudice is against Indians and power rests with Australians and the white institutional hierarchy. Who is Mr. Procter kidding? The whole incident smells of conspiracy and ganging up against a truly versatile side, which almost won the test, but for the conniving gang of Bucknor, Benson, Ponting and above all, Procter.Is this how the Australians want to set records? They have shamed the noble game of cricket.I believe that the time has come to break away from the white supremacist ICC. If it is the fine of $2m which the BCCI is scared of, I am quite sure that 100,000 NRIs can easily contribute $20 each to redeem the pride of India. I for one would be too happy to contribute. Let us not subordinate the pride of the nation to money or crooked ways of the racist organization.
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As they say "Majority Wins"
by Apurva Gaglani on 2008-01-08 10:01:27.126225+05:30
Harbhajan was pre-planned to be thrown out. The comment "monkey" supposedly came from Harbhajan's mouth when he was batting and not fielding.Naturally, if an Aussie had complained so while Bhajji was bowling, the decision would have gone in India's favour since the fielding side always has the majority.While batting there are only 2 players, so obviously the Aussies were on majority and their opinions were considered.As they say "Majority Wins".
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Procter defends Harbhajan ban, says 'it’s fair'

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