'Gibbs' remarks could spoil team relations' Thursday, January 18, 2007 01:09 [IST]
Karachi: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq has
criticised South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs for his alleged racist
remarks against Pakistani fans during the first cricket Test at the Centurion
this week, saying such incidents could spoil team relations.
"I am very upset because every player has to behave (with) responsibility
on the field. No one has the right to use abusive or offensive language against
any country or its people under any circumstances," Inzamam was quoted as
saying in Urdu newspaper 'Jang'.
"Gibbs didn't do a very nice thing and these sort of things can have a
bearing on relations between teams.
"I am a firm believer that sports should be kept away from controversies
and racist problems," he added.
He said Gibbs' action should be condemned in strongest possible words.
Gibbs was caught on stump microphones mouthing expletives after an incident
near the boundary line where two Pakistani supporters reportedly swore at
teammate Paul Harris.
Gibbs was handed a two-Test ban, against which he has appealed subsequently.
Meanwhile, a Pakistan Cricket Board official has said that the Board was
satisfied with the action taken by the match referee against Gibbs and had left
it upto the team manager to handle all issues in South Africa.
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