Cape Town - Free State's Quinton Friend has been found guilty of breaching clauses 6.3.1 (a) and 6.3.1 (f) of the CSA Code of Conduct and has been suspended for two matches, one of which is suspended for the current calendar year.
The respective clauses concern showing serious dissent for an umpire’s decision and using language that is seriously obscene, offensive or insulting towards another participant.
The infringement occurred in the Sunfoil Cup match between Free State and Easterns at the Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, from December 15-17, 2015.
Friend pleaded guilty to the charges.
“I take into account the fact that Mr Friend has admitted the offence, that Mr Friend regrets his behaviour and that he has refrained from acts of misconduct during his career (114 first-class matches and 88 A-list matches) thus far,” commented CSA Disciplinary Commissioner, Professor Rian Cloete.
“I further take into consideration that both charges relate to two incidents which took place immediately after the final ball of the sixth over was bowled. There were no further incidents recorded during the match.
“Therefore, having taken all factors into account, it is important that an effective penalty be imposed and that it is fundamentally important for disciplinary action to correct behaviour.
“In the circumstances I am satisfied that the appropriate penalty in respect of these offences, which are both level 2 offences, is a suspension for two (2) matches, of which one (1) match is suspended for one calendar year.
“The following order is made:
1. Mr Friend is ineligible for selection for the forthcoming Sunfoil Series match against the Lions due to be played from January 14-17, 2016 at the Diamond Oval, Kimberley.
2. Mr Friend is further suspended for one (1) First Class Match (shall be applicable to a Test, four day or three day match) alternatively two (2) one day/T20 matches (shall be applicable to One-Day/T20 Internationals and Domestic One Day/T20 matches at all levels), suspended for one (1) calendar year.”