Matthew Hayden let off with a warning

[netfree]

NEW DELHI: Australia batsman Matthew Hayden has been let off by Cricket Australia with a mild warning. No fine has been imposed on him. Hayden was charged by his national board after describing Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh as an "obnoxious weed" and challenging teenage fast bowler Ishant Sharma to a fight.

Decision came after Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday charged Australian opener Matthew Hayden with a breach of its Code of Behaviour for making offensive remarks against Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh in an interview to Brisbane Radio.

Meanwhile, Indian team manager Vimal Soni has said that players are not bothered and are focused to play in the finals, starting March 2. On the hand cricket historian Boria Mazumdar has said that this verdict has left a bitter taste in the mouth.

The burly Australian cricketer was charged under Rule 9 of the CA Code of Behaviour, which prohibits detrimental public comment, a CA release said.

"Rule guidelines prohibit public denigration of other players against whom they have or will play," it said.

CA appointed a Code of Conduct Commissioner from its panel and convene a hearing at 8pm (3.30 pm IST).

Hayden, who has been an active participant in the on-field bickering that have marred India's current tour of Australia, called Harbhajan an "obnoxious little weed" and also challenged young paceman Ishant Sharma to a boxing bout during his radio interview on Tuesday.

"It's been a bit of a long battle with Harbhajan, the first time I ever met him he was the same little obnoxious weed that he is now", Hayden said

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held by the CA in Melbourne yesterday morning to discuss if Hayden had breached rules.

The cricket board has the authority to stop its contracted player from commenting on television, radio or print if it feels that it is not in good taste about an opposition players or board.