Racial abuse charges against Harbhajan Singh dropped
The charge against Harbhajan Singh as Racist has been dropped and is being charged with 2.8 level offences. Level 2.8 relates to use of obscene language. Now Harbhajan Singh will be fined about 50% of his match fee. There won’t be any suspension imposed on Harbhajan Singh.
The whole controversy started during the third Test match between India and Australia in Sydney between January 2-5. There were many dubious decisions by MR Benson (England) and SA Bucknor (West Indies) which went against India. Australia won the match with many controversies surrounded. Ricky Pointing and Andrew Symonds made a complaint against Harbhajan Singh that Harbhajan had abused Symonds during the Test match. After the match concluded, match referee MJ Procter (South Africa), conducted an inquiry with Harbhajan Singh and Symonds. Clarke, Mathew Hayden of Australia and Sachin Tendulkar of India were enquired as witness.
Procter came out with a judgment that there was a racial slur by Harbhajan and handed over a ban of Three Test Match. Whole of India came strongly against this decision and BCCI even threatened to withdraw from the tour. Further Indian board went on an appeal against the decision. ICC appeals commissioner, Justice John Hansen of New Zealand was appointed by ICC for the enquiry and posted the case to be heard on 29th January.
Now the Judgment has come and the charges from 3.3.2 (racial abuse) has downgraded to 2.8(relates to use of obscene language) and Harbhajan will be fined with 50% of his Sydney Match fee. A huge controversy has come to an end and Indian team are about to leave to Melbourne to play their next match.