Racial slur anger

By Glen Atwell
A CRANBOURNE Meadows cricketer has been accused of racial abuse and threatening a rival during a West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) match on Saturday.
The incident sparked an on-field altercation between players from both sides that is under investigation by the association.
The B-grade match between Cardinia and Cranbourne Meadows at the Cardinia Recreation Reserve turned ugly when Cranbourne batsman Shane Ashwood refused to leave the pitch after being given out LBW by umpire Dominic Alaimo.
The incident occurred after Cardinia slip fielder Yohan Labrooy told Ashwood to leave the field.
“He had been given out, so I told him to go,” the Cranbourne resident said.
But Ashwood refused and turned towards Labrooy, who is of Sri Lankan descent, to deliver a barrage of racial taunts and threats.
“I couldn’t believe it, I started to walk towards him because I was angry,” Labrooy explained.
President of the Cardinia Cricket Club Diane Wade admitted there had been pushing and shoving.
“A couple of Cranbourne Meadows players entered the playing field during the incident.
“There were no punches thrown, just yelling and pushing,” Ms Wade said.
Umpire Alaimo restored order and the players returned to their positions but Labrooy said he wanted the incident to be pursued by the association.
“I don’t want revenge but, if nothing is done, this guy will just keep doing it.
“What about if the next victim is a junior cricketer?” Labrooy said.
Labrooy said the most disturbing factor was that the abuse and threats continued as Ashwood left the field.
“It wasn’t just in the heat of the moment, he continued shouting racist remarks as he was walking from the field. He said he was going to kill me,” Labrooy claimed.
But Cranbourne Meadows B-grade captain Shane White said Labrooy should have kept quiet when Ashwood was given out.
“We don’t tolerate racism and what Shane (Ashwood) said was wrong, but Labrooy should learn to keep his opinion to himself,” he said.
White said his team thought the issue was a closed case after players from both sides reconciled after the game.
“The umpire made no report at the time. If Labrooy had a problem he should have spoken up then and there,” White said.
Ashwood told the News that he deeply regretted his words but denied threatening Labrooy. He apologised and said he was willing to do whatever was needed to smooth things over.
WGCA secretary Jeff Wallace said the association would launch an inquiry into the incident.
Mr Wallace said the association condemned racial vilification.