Symonds 'victim of racial abuse'

Cricket Australia claims all-rounder Andrew Symonds was racially abused during the team's triumph in a one-day international over India in Vadodara.

The Australians claim that a section of the crowd made monkey noises at Symonds while he was fielding on the boundary.

"Andrew Symonds heard noises," said Australia spokesman Philip Pope.

"The players discussed it in the dressing room. We are not calling for action, we think it is up to the local authorities to deal with it."

Although Australia, with a 3-1 lead in the series, were seeking to downplay the incident, Indian authorities took a dim view.

India team manager Lalchand Rajput told Australian Associated Press: "This should not happen.

"People come to watch the game and this sort of behaviour spoils the game.

"The problem is trying to control the crowds and in some areas there can be some trouble."

He said the incident would also affect the Indian players.

"These things are not good for the morale of the team, it is upsetting for them," he added.

The International Cricket Council has made cracking down on racial abuse from crowds a top priority.

Australian fans came in for criticism during the 2005-06 season for racial abuse towards South African players.

"We have a no tolerance policy to racism and a very strict anti-racism code," an ICC spokesman said.

"Our anti-racism policy was approved and strengthened in November 2006 with all members having signed up to this."

ICC members can impose a range of punishments on spectators, including a life ban, if they are found guilty of racial abuse.

Member countries can themselves be penalised for allowing such incidents to take place.

Fines, and a possible withdrawal of international status from the venue where the incident has taken place, are among the measures available.

Source: BBC Sport