Steyn Fined 100 Percent Of Match Fee

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his country’s third Test match against the West Indies.

Steyn pleaded guilty to spitting in the direction of opposition player Sulieman Benn during the third day of the match in Barbados on Monday. Steyn was found to have committed a Level 2 breach of the code contrary to clause 2.2.11 which relates to conduct of a serious nature that is “contrary to the spirit of the game”.

The incident took place when Steyn was dismissed, bowled by Kemar Roach, in the 132nd over of South Africa’s first innings. As he walked off, Steyn appeared to spit in the direction of Benn and, following the day’s play, the charge was brought by on-field umpires Steve Davis and Simon Taufel, third umpire Asad Rauf and fourth official Clyde Duncan.

“Dale’s behaviour was entirely unacceptable and he knows that,” said Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

“The fact that he was provoked by Sulieman during his time at the crease helps to explain his actions but cannot excuse them. Test cricket can be an examination of one’s emotions as well as skill and players must learn to keep those emotions in check sufficiently to play within the spirit of the game. This was an ugly moment of which I’m sure Dale is not proud,” said Mr Crowe.

Level 2 breaches carry a minimum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee and a maximum penalty of their full match fee and/or two suspension points, which amounts to one Test match or two ODIs.