Fieldsman hits out over racial taunts

By Glen Atwell
A WEST Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) match was marred when an angry batsman racially abused and allegedly threatened an opposition fielder during play at the Cardinia Recreational Reserve on Saturday.
The B-grade match between Cardinia and Cranbourne Meadows turned ugly when Cranbourne batsman Shane Ashwood refused to leave the pitch after being given out lbw by umpire Dominic Alaimo.
Cardinia slip fielder Yohan Labrooy told Ashwood to leave the field.
“He had been given out, so I told him to go,” the Cranbourne resident said.
But Ashwood refused and turned towards Labrooy, who is of Sri Lankan descent, to deliver a barrage of racial taunts and threats.
“I couldn’t believe it, I started to walk towards him because I was angry,” Labrooy explained.
The incident escalated as players from both sides converged on the pitch in a moment of madness.
President of the Cardinia Cricket Club Diane Wade refused to label the incident a “brawl”, but admitted there had been pushing and shoving.
“A couple of Cranbourne Meadows players entered the playing field during the incident.
“There were no punches thrown, just yelling and pushing,” Ms Wade said.
Umpire Alaimo soon restored order and the players returned to their positions.
Labrooy said he wanted the incident to be pursued by the league.
“I don’t want revenge but, if nothing is done, this guy will just keep doing it.
“What about if the next victim is a junior cricketer?
“That’s just not fair,” Labrooy said.
Labrooy said the most disturbing factor was that racial abuse and threats had continued as Ashwood left the field.
“It wasn’t just in the heat of the moment, he continued shouting racist remarks as he was walking from the field. He said he was going to kill me,” Labrooy claimed.
But Cranbourne Meadows B-grade captain Shane White said Labrooy should have shut his mouth when Ashwood was given out.
“We don’t tolerate racism and what Shane (Ashwood) said was wrong, but Labrooy should learn to keep his opinion to himself,” he said.
White said his team thought the issue was a closed case after players from both sides reconciled after the game.
“Some clown rang the 3AW rumour file on Monday morning, saying there was a brawl, now all of a sudden Labrooy wants action taken.
“The umpire made no report at the time. If Labrooy had a problem he should have spoken up then and there,” White said.
Ashwood said he deeply regretted his actions.
“I regret what I said and I apologise.
“But I didn’t threaten to kill him and I’m willing to do anything to smooth things over.
“I’m sorry and want to prove that it was completely out of character,” Ashwood said.
WGCA secretary Jeff Wallace said the association would launch an inquiry into the incident.
“Both captains and clubs, as well as the umpire involved will forward the association a written report regarding the event,” he said.
Mr Wallace said the association condemned racial vilification.
Ms Wade echoed the need to eradicate racial prejudices from all levels of cricket.
“Cricket is an international sport, we live in a multicultural society and in this day and age racial slurs cannot be tolerated,” she said.
Labrooy said he hoped there would be some answers found by this Saturday, when the teams return to finish the game.
“I’m leaving it to the league to investigate and take appropriate action,” he said.