West Indies’ Player Faces A Possible Ban For Reported Gay Slur

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds.Feb. 13, 2019: Trinidad-born West Indies star, Shannon Gabriel, will discover today, Fe.b. 13, 2019, whether he faces a sanction for his part in an on-field exchange with English cricket captain Joe Root, on day three of the third Test match-up in St. Lucia.

It is hard to hear what Gabriel said from video footage, but the England captain is heard telling the 30-year-old bowler: “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”

Gabriel has been charged by the on-field umpires, Kumar Dharmasena and Rod Tucker, under article 2.13 of the ICC code of conduct that covers “language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature.” The matter was referred to a hearing by the match referee, Jeff Crowe, and if found guilty, Gabriel faces a possible ban of up to two Tests or four one-day internationals owing to having three demerit points on his disciplinary record already.

The stain on the West Indies/England series comes as the home side claimed a test series win but lost the third match to England Tuesday. England completed a consolation 232-run win Tuesday in Saint Lucia.

The two sides will now clash in One Day Internationals beginning on Feb. 20th at the Kensington Oval.

The full Windies squad for the ODI’s will be: Jason Holder (Captain), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach and Oshane Thomas

Match Schedule:

1st ODI: Kensington Oval – Wednesday, 20 February

2nd ODI: Kensington Oval – Friday, 22 February

3rd ODI: Grenada National Stadium – Monday, 25 February

4th ODI: Grenada National Stadium – Wednesday, 27 February

5th ODI: Darren Sammy Cricket Ground – Saturday, 2 March