CSA pleased with rapid CA response
Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday thanked Cricket Australia (CA) for their rapid and effective response to deal with the speech made by one of their former players, Greg Ritchie, on the first day of the Brisbane test match at the Gabba.
“I had a long conversation with James Sutherland, CEO of CA, today,” commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul. “He made a very full and sincere apology for what had happened which I appreciated. CSA is also very appreciative of the rapid and effective manner in which he dealt with the issue.
“I must stress that we take a very strong line on any kind of racist behaviour. It is one of the biggest evils in the world today and one that sport can play a major part in eradicating. It is a very sensitive and emotional issue for us, particularly taking our past history into account. Sport has been a big unifying force in our country and we cannot allow anything to happen that is going to undermine it.
“As far as Mr. Ritchie is concerned there must be consequences for his behaviour, particularly as he further inflamed the matter when he was confronted over the contents of his speech. CSA will be investigating its options in this regard with the International Cricket Council as the game’s supreme authority.”
