Decision of Technical Director in respect of a hearing of breach of the code of conduct by Syed Abbas Haider Bigrami.
In the 26th minute of the match Pakistan v Great Britain Jackson (7) was playing the ball in a kneeling position. Abbas (11) came towards Jackson and made contact with the head of Jackson with the hand that held the end of his stick (“the alleged behaviour”).
If proved this conduct would amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct, in particular clause 2(a)
Verbal/physical abuse or hostility towards any other participant, person or any other member of the public.
Neither umpire saw the incident. Video evidence showed that Abbas was in no position to play the ball at the time that his hand on the stick contacted the head of Jackson.
Jackson advised that he was not struck by a stick.
It is clear from the evidence that the left hand holding the end of the stick struck Jackson to the back of the head. There was no injury to Jackson.
At the formal hearing the case presented for Abbas was that his foot slipped causing his hand to go down and as he was playing for the ball he made contact. It was therefore not a knowing action; it was by mistake
Decision
I have considered the evidence available. I am satisfied that the alleged behaviour occurred. I find that the behaviour constitutes a breach of clause 2(a) in that it constitutes physical abuse to another participant. In making that finding I have taken into account
1. Abbas was in no position to play the ball.
2. Jackson had his back to Abbas and therefore in no position to defend himself.
3. Abbas dropped his left hand to enable contact to be made with Jackson’s head. This was a deliberate action.
Penalty
I consider that the appropriate penalty is that Abbas be suspended for the match to be played by Pakistan at the 29th Olympics on the 13th August 2008.
Ken Read
Technical Director
11th August 2008.
