Marcus Stoinis cops fine for abusing opponent

Melbourne Stars player Marcus Stoinis has been found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia’s code of conduct after reports emerged that he directed an allleged homophobic slur towards fast bowler Kane Richardson.

Cricket Australia released a statement and while it didn’t confirm exactly what the slur was about, its wording was strong in calling out Stoinis for behaviour which ‘has no place in the game.’

The incident happened during Stoinis’ impressive innings of 68 off 55 which saw his Stars side win its Big Bash derby against the Melbourne Renegades.

Cricket Australia full statement:

Marcus Stoinis has been found guilty of a level two breach of Article 2.1.3 of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct for personal abuse of a player while batting during the Melbourne Stars’ KFC Big Bash League victory over the Melbourne Renegades on Saturday.

Stoinis accepted the charge without challenge and was fined $7,500.

The breach was reported by umpires Gerard Abood and Phillip Gillespie to match referee Daryl Harper.

Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity and Security, said the decision to hand Stoinis a level two breach and fine him was the appropriate course of action.

“The behaviour in this matter falls short of the standards we expect and we have acted accordingly,” Carroll said. “There is no place for it in the game.”

Stoinis apologised unreservedly for his actions.

“I got caught in the moment and took it too far,” Stoinis said. “I realised immediately I was in the wrong and I apologise to Kane and to the umpires.

“I did the wrong thing and accept responsibility for my actions. The standards are there for a reason and I accept the penalty.”