Two fans were kicked out of the Ageas Bowl on the fifth day of the World Test Championship final for allegedly abusing some New Zealand players. ESPNcricinfo learned that the two fans were in Block M, which is just below the hotel on the site where both teams are staying.
"We have received reports of abuse against New Zealand players," the ICC said in a media statement. "Our security team was able to identify the culprits & they were thrown off the field. We will not tolerate any abusive behavior in cricket."
While the ICC is awaiting the report of the security team before deciding on further action against the fans, it is understood that the abuse was both general & racial in nature. The ground security action was initiated after the ICC was alerted about two persons allegedly misbehaving by some fans via social media. It is believed that some abuses can also be heard on television broadcasts.
New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee said that no one in his dressing room was aware of the incident. "No, that's the first time I've heard of it," Southee said after playing. "The game is always played in good spirit on the field. We are not exactly sure what is happening off the field.
This is the second time this year that fans have been removed from the cricket field during a Test match. During the New Year's Test between Australia & India in Sydney this January, a group of fans were turned away when India pacer Mohammad Siraj told match officials that he was facing alleged abuse. .