Graeme Swann fined for using abusive language

Chittagong: England spinner Graeme Swann has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee for using "obscene and offensive language" during his team`s two-wicket loss to Bangladesh in a World Cup group match here.

"England`s Graeme Swann has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee after being found guilty of breaching the ICC`s Code of Conduct during the ICC Cricket World Cup match against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Friday," the ICC said in a statement. Swann was charged with a Level 1 offence under article 2.1.4 of the code which relates to, "Using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an international match." "Swann pleaded guilty to the charge and under the provisions of the code, the matter was determined by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and so there was no requirement for a full hearing." The charge was brought by on-field umpires Rod Tucker and Darryl Harper and third umpire Aleem Dar, all from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires."Graeme became frustrated and upset at the condition of the second ball in use during the Bangladesh innings. His comments to the on-field umpires during the 26th over of the innings were unacceptable and an over later Graeme, realizing this, made a genuine apology to the umpires for his actions," Crowe said. "While it was recognized that, because of the dew, this was a difficult period to be in the field it is also a fact that these conditions are not uncommon on the sub-continent. At the conclusion of the match Graeme accepted the sanction and there was no need for a full hearing," he added. Offences included in Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct can range from an official reprimand up to 50 per cent of his or her match fee.England captain Andrew Strauss defended Swann and said the spinner was just frustrated. "Graeme was obviously very frustrated, because the dew meant he could not grip the ball," the captain said. "He felt he had a big role to play in the game. It was frustrating for him, and all of us, that the ball got as wet as it did. I told Graeme to calm down and get on with it – and he did do so." PTI