South African officials face disciplinary action after posing for a picture with fans mocking Warner

The rivalry between two greats aggressive cricketer David Warner and Quinton de Kock which caught fire in the first Test between Australia and South Africa has dramatically continued to the second Test as de Kock’s supporters look to give no room to the visiting opener. On day 2 of the second Test, the spectators were seen wearing masks with the face of All Black rugby player Sonny Bill Williams.

The masks were to taunt Warner, whose wife reportedly had an encounter with Williams in 2007 before meeting Warner. In the picture, three out of five individuals were wearing the mask. The other two, who were not wearing the mask were South African officials and are likely to face disciplinary action.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) distanced itself from the action of the officials, marketing manager Clive Eksteen and communications manager Altaaf Kazi. Eksteen is a former South African Test player. The statement said CSA had taken “immediate precautionary steps” against the officials and that there would be an internal disciplinary process.

Chris Nenzani, the board President apologised to Cricket Australia and its officials, team management, players and their families. The statement urged South African supporters to refrain from “being involved in distasteful or unwelcome actions that may impact the image of the sport and its supporters.”

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian team was “outraged” by a decision to allow the masks to be brought into the ground.

Match Scenario

Currently, the South African team had a great second session as they didn’t lose a single wicket – Hashim Amla and Dean Elgar found form and scored a half century each. On Day 2, they have lost their nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada who played a blistering knock of 29 runs, Amla and Elgar in the third session. The trail is still over 80 runs and will be quite a challenge for them to take a lead.

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