Gibbs disappointed and relieved

Herschelle Gibbs has expressed his disappointment upon hearing the news that his ban had been upheld, although he is also relieved at being cleared of racism in the ICC hearing by Ritchie Benaud.

“I am really disappointed to be missing the Test match in front of my home ground and the next two matches the Proteas will be playing.

“However, I am glad that I have now had a proper opportunity to explain myself. I feel it is important that Mr Benaud has confirmed that I am not racist. I have apologised if my remarks inadvertently caused offence, and that apology still stands.”

Cricket South Africa chief executive, Gerald Majola, has accepted the findings and will not be taking the matter any further.

“We particularly welcome the fact that Mr Benaud has emphatically cleared Herschelle of any allegations of racism,” he said.

“The CSA’s disciplinary hearing was set before the ICC announced its charges. Consequently, CSA’s hearing was postponed by disciplinary commissioner Judge Mervyn King until after the ICC had completed its hearings arising from the same circumstances.

“Now that the ICC has completed its process, we have decided that there is no point in charging Herschelle twice in this matter.”

Gibbs suspension was altered from the original two Test ban to one Test, one ODI and a Twenty20 international.