John Mooney receives reprimand for code of conduct breach

Ireland all-rounder pleads guilty to charge of abusing cricket equipment

Ireland all-rounder John Mooney has received an official reprimand after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in South Africa.

The player pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to Level 1.2 of the code, which deals with “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings”.

The player was reported after kicking the bails off the stumps in frustration during an over he was bowling in his side’s six-wicket victory over Kenya at LC de Villiers Oval on Friday.

Mooney had already been warned twice of his behaviour during the same game.

The incident was reported by on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Rod Tucker of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires as well as third umpire Paul Baldwin of the ICC Associates and Affiliates Umpires’ Panel and a hearing was convened the day after the match by Roshan Mahanama of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

Mooney pleaded guilty to the offence and after giving him the official reprimand, Mr Mahanama said: “It is natural for players to feel frustrated or annoyed at various stages during a match but they must always behave within the spirit of the game.

“Clearly, John overstepped the boundaries of acceptable behaviour during this match and despite twice being warned, he did not heed those warnings and the umpires were left with no choice but to report him. Having received this reprimand, John now needs to be very careful he does not incur a similar breach of the code over the coming year or the penalty could be more severe.”

The hearing was attended by the match referee, the player, the three umpires, Ireland captain William Porterfield and team manager Roy Torrens. For all Level 1 offences there is no right of appeal and the referee’s decision is final and binding.

To view the full ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials go to www.icc-cricket.com/rules_and_regulations.php.