Date:28/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/28/stories/2008022859880100.htm

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Hayden let off with reprimand

Sports Reporter

Matthew Hayden, a file photo

Chennai: Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden was issued a reprimand by Cricket Australia in Melbourne on Wednesday for calling Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh an “obnoxious little weed” in a radio interview. Hayden was charged under Rule 9 of the CA’s Code of Behaviour, which prohibits detrimental public comment. After a two-and-a-half hour disciplinary hearing, the charges were upheld by the Code of Conduct Commissioner Ron Beazley.

Hayden’s offensive remarks during Tuesday’s interview to Brisbane Radio prompted CA to hold an emergency meeting.

In response to the Indian team’s written complaint to match referee Jeff Crowe against Australians’ “provocative” behaviour towards the Indians in general and Harbhajan in particular, Hayden said: “It’s been a bit of a long battle with Harbhajan, the first time I ever met him he was the same little obnoxious weed that he is now.”