Racism: It’s just not cricket

Yeah, we are pretty disappointed with ourselves for that title too.

From the Herald Sun:

Stars hit louts, racists for 6
Grant McArthur and Iain Payten
November 10, 2006

AUSTRALIAN Test players have been recruited to help police, security and even spectators crack down on drunken louts and racism during the Ashes series.

A host of measures to cut down unruly behaviour during the series was announced by Cricket Australia yesterday.
Among them are the provision of extra security staff inside and outside grounds, increased CCTV use and a mobile phone text-messaging system that allows fans to report anti-social behaviour from the stands.

Australian players have also pre-recorded video messages appealing for good behaviour during matches and a Cricket Australia-financed public education campaign will be launched to tell fans “where the line is drawn” for items banned as part of anti-racism measures.


However the MCC is not following the lead of Queensland Cricket, which will ban backpacks in the first Test at the Gabba for security reasons and try to stop people bringing hidden alcohol into the ground.

The MCG’s general manager of event operations, Trevor Dohnt, said he did not support similar bans in Melbourne where security checks on baggage had been successful in recent years, but final security plans were still being negotiated.

“We do full bag checks at the ground and the content of backpacks has not been perceived as a problem,” he said.

Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland hopes the increased security measures will stamp out anti-social, racist and drunken conduct.

“In its most simplest form our message is this: we want cricket fans to come and enjoy their day at the cricket, whether from around the corner or around the world — to enjoy it and have fun.

“But if their definition of fun spoils the comfort and enjoyment of others then we will be asking them to leave.”

Mr Sutherland said the measures were produced in concert with security specialists, police, venue managers and state cricket associations.

Since several incidents of racism marred last summer’s series against South Africa, Cricket Australia has adopted the ICC’s anti-racism guidelines and will enforce a zero-tolerance approach.

“The critical thing is the context in which these sort of words are used,” Mr Sutherland said. “Most people are pretty well versed about the proper context to use them, and I am sure that people will get it right.”

News brief · 10 November 2006