Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne, who has retired from international cricket, has been slapped with a one-match ban and a fine of Aus$4,500 (US$4,700) on Monday for breaching the code of conduct in a heated altercation with West Indian Marlon Samuels in the Twenty20 match in Melbourne on Sunday.
The gentleman's game almost turned into a bloody battle on Sunday after the tiff between the cricketers led to a ball and bat throwing hustle.
Cricket Australia on Monday charged both players with breach of its code of behaviour. Shane Warne was found guilty of dissent at the decision of the umpire, use of obscene language and deliberate physical contact but was cleared of the charge of throwing the ball at the West Indian cricketer.
Samuels, who retired following an injury from Lasith Malinga's delivery, too faces charges of deliberate physical contact and inappropriate behaviour. Cameron White is fined Aus$1,000 for dissent.
Shane Warne, captain of Melbourne Stars, seemed to be furious when Samuels of Melbourne Renegades pulled back David Hussey, who was turning back for a second run. He allegedly uttered the obscene words "F**k you, Marlon" during the match.
Later, Warne threw the ball towards Samuels and hit his arm. The West Indian cricketer reacted by throwing his bat on the pitch towards Warne, making an ugly scene. The incident forced the umpires to entervine and restore order.
The Australian spinner expressed regret over his action on Sunday but was not happy with the penalty slapped on him.
"I'm disappointed with some of my actions last night but I'm also disappointed at the severity of the penalties," Warne told reporters. "I think that was pretty harsh."
