Calls for investigation after allegations of racist abuse during outback cricket match

The Barrier District Cricket Association has held a meeting to address an alleged incident of racial abuse.

The meeting, held earlier this week, involved delegates from the South Cricket Club and the Warriors Cricket Club.

It has been alleged members of the South B-grade squad were racially abused by members of the Warriors who were watching Saturday’s match.

Barrier District Cricket Association Association chairman Peter Johnston said the next step was for both clubs to submit formal reports.

“Those formal reports, if and when they do come in … will then go to commissioners for a hearing,” he said.

“Those commissioners will make a judgement on that, after that, and that is about as much I can say at this stage.”

Mr Johnston said he became aware of the issue after South players complaint was made on Saturday night by South players.

The league chairman said if formal reports were tendered a hearing involving locally selected commissioners would be held.

“We appoint at our annual general meeting commissioners to hear any incidents that we actually have,” Mr Johnston said.

“We’ll call a meeting of those commissioners once we have the formal reports.”

Call for full investigation

Mr Johnston said the process was not only about having reports sent in, but also allowing those directly involved to have a chance to have a say.

“Those reports have got to go to the people who are involved in that incident and they’ve got to have their right to respond,” he said.

Warriors president Scott Flannigan said “all allegations” levelled at the players were being denied.

South president Ben Franklyn said a “full and thorough” investigation needed to take place before any action was taken.

Mr Franklyn said the meeting on Tuesday was handled in a “very professional manner” by all participants and they would respect the outcome of the investigation.

However, the club president emphasised how important all the players are to the club and South “prides themselves on being a diverse club.”

The outcome of any investigation will not affect the 2022/23 BDCA season.

The Warriors are scheduled to play in a semi-finals tie against North on Saturday.