Schiferli and Cann reprimanded for on-field altercation

A player from Bermuda and another from the Netherlands have been reprimanded after they were found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during a recent ICC Intercontinental Cup match in Amstelveen.

Edgar Schiferli of the Netherlands was found guilty of an offence contrary to Level 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to the use of offensive language directed at an opposing player during the course of play on 15 August.

It was found that Schiferli used language, which was directed at Bermuda's Lionel Cann, that was obscene, offensive and of an insulting nature. The verdict was issued following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee David Jukes the day after the incident took place.

Having considered the case, Jukes gave Schiferli an official reprimand and warned him of his future conduct for a period of 12 months.

"Mr Schiferli's language and general behaviour at that time were far below the acceptable sort of interaction between players on the field of play," said Jukes.

"He pleaded guilty, it was his first reported offence under the ICC Code of Conduct, he has apologised to Mr Cann and has shown remorse for his actions. The penalty falls within guidelines contained in the ICC Code of Conduct and I am content it is a proportionate punishment in this instance," he said.

Under the ICC Code of Conduct for players and officials, a player found guilty of a Level 2 offence faces a minimum fine of 50 per cent of his match fee but that sanction does not apply to international amateur matches.

Meanwhile, during the same incident, Cann of Bermuda was found guilty of an offence contrary to Level 1 as he engaged in "conduct unbecoming" to his status which could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute. The verdict was issued following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee David Jukes, also after play concluded last Thursday.

Cann was found to have followed Schiferli and shouted at him in a way that was deemed to bring the game into disrepute.

Having considered the case, Jukes gave Cann an official reprimand and warned him of his future conduct for a period of 12 months.

"Mr Cann's behaviour was unacceptable and it is important for all players to realise that they have standards to maintain," said Jukes.

"That said, it was his first reported offence under the ICC Code of Conduct, he has apologised for his actions and he pleaded guilty to the charge so I feel that an official reprimand is the appropriate response," he added.

Both charges were brought by match umpires Charlie McElwee and Ian Ramage.

For Level 1 offences, as in Cann's case, there is no right of appeal. If a player is found guilty of a Level 2, 3 or 4 offence, as in Schiferli's case, then he has a right of appeal. Such an appeal must be lodged in writing with the ICC's legal counsel within 24 hours of the player receiving the original verdict.

Having been advised of his options, Schiferli chose not to submit an appeal.