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Cricket

Key fined over ECB "Muppet show" comments

26/09/2008

Kent captain Rob Key has been reprimanded and fined £1,250 for calling the pitch panel of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) "a Muppet Show".

The former England cricketer made the comments following a 43-run defeat to Durham at the Riverside last month, which was over within seven sessions and produced only one batsman's innings of more than 50 from either side.

Kent were skittled out for 78 and 133 in their two innings, while the home side scored only 254 for the loss of their 20 wickets in the match.

Key, who scored four and 16, branded ECB officials - who had come to inspect the pitch prior to the match and deemed it suitable for play – "a waste of money".

"The pitch liaison officers, we had a few of them down here yesterday for an interview, which was just a bit of a Muppet Show," the Kent skipper said afterwards.

"By all accounts there was no excessive seam movement which is absolutely ridiculous. Everyone who went out there to bat struggled.

"What has to happen for a pitch to get docked points now? 50 all out plays 50 all out and the game over in a day?

"The fact they've not lost any points or had a suspended decision put against them is absolutely ridiculous.

"I can't say how bad we feel about this. It isn't the fact we've lost, it isn't sour grapes, had we won this game I can assure you I would be saying the same things."

In the ECB decision handed down today, the disciplinary commission described Key's comments as "a serious breach of the directives by a senior player and captain, involving derogatory comment prejudicial to both the ECB and its members".

And in admitting the offence, Key stated: "I fully recognise and understand my responsibilities as captain of Kent and acknowledge that the public comments I made following the ECB pitch panel at the Riverside in August were inappropriate and I offer my unreserved apology to all concerned."