Home » South Africans Stand by Faf Du Plessis as he’s Charged for Ball Tampering

South Africans Stand by Faf Du Plessis as he’s Charged for Ball Tampering

In a wonderful show of solidarity South Africans are standing behind SA cricket captain Faf du Plessis who has been charged for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, after television footage appeared to show him applying an “artificial substance” to the ball during the fourth day’s play in the second Test in Hobart, which concluded […]

By SAPeople
18-11-16 22:23
in Eish!

In a wonderful show of solidarity South Africans are standing behind SA cricket captain Faf du Plessis who has been charged for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, after television footage appeared to show him applying an “artificial substance” to the ball during the fourth day’s play in the second Test in Hobart, which concluded on Tuesday.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 12: Faf du Plessis of South Africa looks on during day one of the Second Test match between Australia and South Africa at Blundstone Arena on November 12, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
HOBART, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 12: Faf du Plessis of South Africa looks on during day one of the Second Test match between Australia and South Africa at Blundstone Arena on November 12, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The alleged incident happened on Tuesday morning when TV footage appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet (aka an ‘artificial substance’), to the ball in an attempt to change its condition.

Proteas batsman Hashim Amla said the allegations are so ridiculous, it’s “basically a joke”.

The Proteas stood together – literally – as a team to face the Australian media, with Amla telling journalists: “The reason everybody is here is to stand together and show solidarity to something that we thought was actually a joke.

“It’s not April, but the allegations against Faf were a really ridiculous thing, and as a team we’re standing strong. We’ve done nothing. For us it’s basically a joke.”

Du Plessis has pleaded not guilty to the charge, which will now be heard by Andy Pycroft of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. 

All level 2 breaches carry a fine between 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the applicable match fee and/or up to two suspension points, and three or four demerit points.

This is the second time that du Plessis has been charged with ball tampering. The first time was in 2013.

Proteas fans are also standing by du Plessis, taking to Twitter to say: “the Australians now blame their horrific loss to SA on Faf du Plessis eating a lolly”, “this is just sour grapes… or sour sweets” and “new ICC rules – no gum or sweets on the field”.

Some Australians are as surprised by the charge, referring to it as “mintgate”.

The charge itself was laid by the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, who has exercised his right to do so according to Article 3.1.3 of the Code… and who is actually a former South African cricketer.

UPDATE: Cricket SA says they will be providing the necessary support, including legal representation, to aid du Plessis to defend the charge made against him.

“We have asked the ICC to consider the time needed for us to consult and appoint legal representation and make the necessary logistical arrangements when setting a date for the hearing,” said CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat. “We are now waiting on the ICC to inform us of the date for the hearing.”

As the matter is subject to a hearing, CSA will make no further comment at this stage.

Source: Cricket.co.za