Though dubbed the gentleman's game, the sport of cricket took an ugly turn on Sunday in a local club game in New Zealand between Paraparaumu and Weraroa. A player-umpire was brutally beaten up and kicked by five of the Weraroa players, after an on- field argument escalated beyond control.
An eye witness said, "If that happened on the street it would be GBH [grievous bodily harm] so how come if it happens on the field it's fine," as quoted by stuff.co.nz.
"He had a third kick at him before his team pulled him off.
"I know exactly who did the kicking, everyone saw who it was.
"I believe his nose is broken then another three or four Weraroa players joined in and proceeded to kick and punch him."
New Zealand Cricket public affairs manager Richard Boock said, "While we are still awaiting details, NZC views any type of physical assault in cricket as repugnant and utterly unacceptable. We will await the results of the investigation before commenting further."
The New Zealand police also confirmed the incident but said no charges have been levied by the victim thus far.
More to follow...
