"Why are you smiling at me? Do you like boys" - What do you make of ICC's decision to ban S Gabriel?

[MenInG]

"Why are you smiling at me? Do you like boys" - What do you make of ICC's decision to ban S Gabriel?

Apology by Gabriel as tweeted by Darren Ganga

 

[WengerOut]

If that was what he said, i am not seeing any issues. Not even a standard abuse. But that could be just me.

 

[jagatk]

This has to be the stupidest ban ever given, that isn't even abuse or offensive, ICC and Root made a mountain out of a mole hill.

 

[shah_1]

If this is what he said then shame on Root for being a clown and drama queen.

 

[Space Cat]

Hmmm thats pretty tame really if thats all he said.

 

[HitWicket]

If this is what he said then shame on Root for being a clown and drama queen.

Yeah, shame on Root for calling someone trying to use sexuality as a derogative insult rather than the person who actually did it...

 

[cricketjoshila]

Read the statement. Ban for this?

Next time a aussie or english players uses family sledges which they uses often, i guess it will be a ban.

 

[BreadPakoda]

"Do you like boys?". That's clearly a mean sledge and deserves no place on a pure and pious cricket field.

And what a response by Rooooooot. Belted out of the ground with a straight bat.

Such bravery. Such swag.

I agree with Naz, this is more important than test 100s and victories. In fact, this is bigger than the World Cup.

 

[HitWicket]

Next time a aussie or english players uses family sledges which they uses often, i guess it will be a ban.

Something which I'm sure you've got a long list of examples of going unpunished in recent years?

 

[Muhammad10]

"Do you like boys?". That's clearly a mean sledge and deserves no place on a pure and pious cricket field.

And what a response by Rooooooot. Belted out of the ground with a straight bat.

Such bravery. Such swag.

I agree with Naz, this is more important than test 100s and victories. In fact, this is bigger than the World Cup.

) Ridiculous ban. This is like cuddly kittens compared to most on-field insults. I think cricketers should ensure they wear tape on their mouths from now on, otherwise the likes of touchy Rooty might even get you banned for sneezing.

 

[Muhammad10]

Yeah, shame on Root for calling someone trying to use sexuality as a derogative insult rather than the person who actually did it...

From the quotations, it looks like pretty harmless banter. Gross injustice to ban a player for such a miniscule comment. No wonder Root tried to downplay it; now that the actual quote has been revealed, Root's embarrassing overreaction has been exposed to all.

 

[shah_1]

Yeah, shame on Root for calling someone trying to use sexuality as a derogative insult rather than the person who actually did it...

He clearly responed to Root by saying that there is nothing wrong with being gay.

Root is a drama queen

 

[HitWicket]

From the quotations, it looks like pretty harmless banter. Gross injustice to ban a player for such a miniscule comment. No wonder Root tried to downplay it; now that the actual quote has been revealed, Root's embarrassing overreaction has been exposed to all.

He clearly responed to Root by saying that there is nothing wrong with being gay.

Root is a drama queen

He wasn't banned for making the comment. He got demerit points which added to previous offences resulted in a ban.

He made a comment that was intended to insult by implying that someone was gay. He can claim he's not a homophobe in general but he still made a homophobic comment. Criticising Root for calling out that comment is ridiculous.

 

[a_tahir]

Yeah, shame on Root for calling someone trying to use sexuality as a derogative insult rather than the person who actually did it...

He never insulted him. Just asked do u like boys

 

[Mamoon]

Newt Scamander might have overreacted in the heat of the moment, but I feel that Gabriel should have refrained from the "do you like boys". Nevertheless, if this is how it transpired, a four match ban seems excessive, especially when you consider that Sarfraz was also banned for four matches for something much, much worse.

I hope that the WICB Chief, Cameron, will have more class and shame than Mani and will not publicly criticise ICC for this decision.

 

[Boi]

Not sure how this even deserved the demerit points. Root really did make a big deal out of it by saying Gabriel might regret what he said lol

 

[Suleiman]

Lol so now cricketers aren’t even allowed to have banter or sledge. Keep making it a softie sport and you’ll lose influence instead of gaining it.

 

[Khan12]

Soon we will be players apologizing to batsmen when they get them out.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Yeah, shame on Root for calling someone trying to use sexuality as a derogative insult rather than the person who actually did it...

I think what he means is that players have gotten away with a lot worse and that Root shouldn't have made such a big deal out of it, rather just gotten over it and moved on... I also agree that Shannon Gabriel should not have said what he said, however, numerous players have hurled very abusive terms (worse than this) and gotten away with it... So why does the ICC go Gung Ho over this?

 

[HitWicket]

He never insulted him. Just asked do u like boys

You genuinely believe he was just enquiring over Roots sexuality? I've got a bridge to sell if you're interested?

 

[a_tahir]

You genuinely believe he was just enquiring over Roots sexuality? I've got a bridge to sell if you're interested?

I'm not him so don't know

 

[Muhammad10]

Newt Scamander might have overreacted in the heat of the moment, but I feel that Gabriel should have refrained from the "do you like boys". Nevertheless, if this is how it transpired, a four match ban seems excessive, especially when you consider that Sarfraz was also banned for four matches for something much, much worse.

I hope that the WICB Chief, Cameron, will have more class and shame than Mani and will not publicly criticise ICC for this decision.

Unlike the Sarfraz case, this one actually merits the board backing its player and criticising the ICC for doling out an unfair punishment.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Soon we will be players apologizing to batsmen when they get them out.

This...

 

[JibranAnsari]

Roots smile should be investigated whether it was a suggestive smile or not.

 

[Mamoon]

Unlike the Sarfraz case, this one actually merits the board backing its player and criticising the ICC for doling out an unfair punishment.

Gabriel said something that should not be encouraged. As a result, in the best interests of the game, it will be inappropriate for Cameron to criticise the ICC for taking a swift action. There is no point in your player issuing an apology if you are going to try and negotiate with the ICC that it wasn't a ban worthy offence.

 

[introvert]

First read this guys :
"For this incident Gabriel gets 3 demerit points and a 75% match fee fine.

That adds to his 5 demerit points from earlier and converts to 4 suspension points - so banned for 4 ODIs."

 

[HitWicket]

I'm not him so don't know

Well given he has admitted to violating a guideline that includes the statement "intended to cover a Player or Player Support Personnel directing language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature at any Player" I guess we can take his own word for it?

I think what he means is that players have gotten away with a lot worse and that Root shouldn't have made such a big deal out of it, rather just gotten over it and moved on... I also agree that Shannon Gabriel should not have said what he said, however, numerous players have hurled very abusive terms (worse than this) and gotten away with it... So why does the ICC go Gung Ho over this?

That's exactly what he did, called out the statement in question when it occured, steered away from it in the media and then gave a statement when the match officials requested. Where have the ICC gone Gung Ho over it? They've sanctioned him under the guideline it violates and given him the associated demerit points that wouldn't usually result in a ban. The only reason they have is because he has a history of shoving opposition players.

 

[big_gamer007]

The quotes in OP does not seem nasty.

 

[Muhammad10]

You genuinely believe he was just enquiring over Roots sexuality? I've got a bridge to sell if you're interested?

This sort of nitpicking can be done with every sledge. If the bowler says "are you blind" to sledge a batsman, he can be banned if the batsman takes offence on behalf of disabled people, and so on.

 

[WengerOut]

I hope "Are you mad? " won't be deemed as an insult to the mentally challenged in the future.

 

[Muhammad10]

Gabriel said something that should not be encouraged. As a result, in the best interests of the game, it will be inappropriate for Cameron to criticise the ICC for taking a swift action. There is no point in your player issuing an apology if you are going to try and negotiate with the ICC that it wasn't a ban worthy offence.

Hmm, he shouldn't have apologised for something so negligible. It was probably due to the media pressure, as he really didn't owe Root an apology, objectively speaking.

 

[Muhammad10]

Gabriel should not have apologised. We don't see apologies for far worse on-pitch behaviour.

 

[silentkiller187]

I think the statement has cherry coated what was said, "do you like boys" may have been the jist but the allegations of him calling root a b***y boy seem more realistic. but as i mentioned before England have played a blinder here from a PR perspective, no one is talking about their 2-1 defeat anymore against a sub par west indies team, some pundits even going as far as saying roots comments were more important than a win, really??

 

[HitWicket]

I think the statement has cherry coated what was said, "do you like boys" may have been the jist but the allegations of him calling root a b***y boy seem more realistic. but as i mentioned before England have played a blinder here from a PR perspective, no one is talking about their 2-1 defeat anymore against a sub par west indies team, some pundits even going as far as saying roots comments were more important than a win, really??

Such as...?

 

[Muhammad10]

I think the statement has cherry coated what was said, "do you like boys" may have been the jist but the allegations of him calling root a b***y boy seem more realistic. but as i mentioned before England have played a blinder here from a PR perspective, no one is talking about their 2-1 defeat anymore against a sub par west indies team, some pundits even going as far as saying roots comments were more important than a win, really??

England were thoroughly outclassed, so it's unfair to say the Windies were sub-par. They simply weren't up to the mark against a side that played far better cricket.

 

[Muhammad10]

Such as...?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don’t know who said what to whom .. but boy do I applaud Joe Root’s reaction here . For me his twelve words as a role model will be in the end more important than a test hundred or possible victory. <a href="https://t.co/QMDHhO3VAC">https://t.co/QMDHhO3VAC</a></p>— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/nassercricket/status/1095272957402890241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[BreadPakoda]

Such as...?

Naz, for one. And what is wrong in that? Root has reinstated his status as a legend through good morals, fearlessness, and a sharp wit.

Deserves all the praise coming from his local press.

 

[Kroll]

That doesn't seem all that bad to me? He didn't explicitly denigrate the Gay community. Root made himself look good than what actually merited.

 

[Rana]

Im not sure why Gabriel just accepted this?! If thats what he said he could easily just say that he was asking an honest question, what would you do if a bloke keeps smiling at you?

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Gabriel should not have apologised. We don't see apologies for far worse on-pitch behaviour.

Exactly.

 

[Muhammad10]

Im not sure why Gabriel just accepted this?! If thats what he said he could easily just say that he was asking an honest question, what would you do if a bloke keeps smiling at you?

Exactly. He seems to have caved under the media pressure and thought an apology would be the right move in terms of damage control. Little did he know...

 

[WengerOut]

Seems like 1333rd moral series victory for England.

 

[silentkiller187]

England were thoroughly outclassed, so it's unfair to say the Windies were sub-par. They simply weren't up to the mark against a side that played far better cricket.

definitely agree, however i was one of the first to write windies off before the tour due to their troubles off the field as well as their previous performances, glad they made me eat humble pie. well deserved.

 

[jagatk]

Exactly. He seems to have caved under the media pressure and thought an apology would be the right move in terms of damage control. Little did he know...

While the punishment seems unfair it really isn't the only punishment he got was 3 demerit points and a 75% match fee fine while I feel it still seems an overreaction his 4 match ban isn't because of this punishment but rather because he has a history of stupid behavior which meant he already had 5 demerit points on his record and this makes it 8 in 2 year span which means automatic 4 suspension points.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I was wholly unaware that the ban was for accumulated demerit points rather than for this isolated incident. In which case, a 4-match ban is fair enough.

I think Root and Gabriel have both handled this with class: Root for calling out implicit discrimination, and Gabriel for reacting with dignity once he realized that what he said was a bit stupid.

Compare and contrast with the ineptness displayed by the PCB and Sarfraz.

 

[GBK_Fan]

PCB should copy the entire letter and keep it as a template for future incidents, considering the horrible one they issue for Sarfraz

 

[JattMaula]

I was wholly unaware that the ban was for accumulated demerit points rather than for this isolated incident. In which case, a 4-match ban is fair enough.

I think Root and Gabriel have both handled this with class: Root for calling out implicit discrimination, and Gabriel for reacting with dignity once he realized that what he said was a bit stupid.

Compare and contrast with the ineptness displayed by the PCB and Sarfraz.

This.

ICC had to act once it was heard by viewers. Many present female international players are homosexual. How could they let this go?

 

[Slim]

Absolutely ridiculous this whole affair. ICC are bunch of knobheads.

 

[Madplayer]

Im not sure why Gabriel just accepted this?! If thats what he said he could easily just say that he was asking an honest question, what would you do if a bloke keeps smiling at you?

He basically took a short cut to end the incident. But its ridiculous that he had to go through this public humiliation for saying something as innocuous as this.

 

[jnaveen1980]

THat was a pretty dramatic reply from root then.

 

[BreadPakoda]

First Holder gets banned, then Gabriel. And Root comes out as the bigger person by his impeccable and magnanimous handling of the situation.

WI have been morally whitewashed here

 

[volcyz]

Absolute joke of a ban.

More like racism from the ICC

 

[silentkiller187]

First Holder gets banned, then Gabriel. Root comes out as the bigger person.

WI have been morally whitewashed here.

How could the big 3 possibly sit back and allow west indies to win a series without getting them back. some way or another

 

[Snowflake]

Doesn't even deserve a single demerit point for this. This is really lame.

How is, what Gabriel, what Gabriel said offensive?

 

[Rana]

He basically took a short cut to end the incident. But its ridiculous that he had to go through this public humiliation for saying something as innocuous as this.

The sad thing is that if you put this entire incident into context it sounds pretty creepy.

Guy keeps smiling at another guy. When asked if the guy likes boys, he replies by saying "don't use that as an insult, nothing wrong with being gay'. This is proper creepy stuff mate!

 

[Snowflake]

The sad thing is that if you put this entire incident into context it sounds pretty creepy.

Guy keeps smiling at another guy. When asked if the guy likes boys, he replies by saying "don't use that as an insult, nothing wrong with being gay'. This is proper creepy stuff mate!

Haha! Thats actually true! Root should be the one reprimanded for creepy behavior )

 

[jnaveen1980]

Anywho despite being less culpable handling of the situation is way more professional than the sarfraz incident where Sarfraz chose to give lame intervews even days after punishment.

 

[Markhor]

I was wholly unaware that the ban was for accumulated demerit points rather than for this isolated incident. In which case, a 4-match ban is fair enough.

I think Root and Gabriel have both handled this with class: Root for calling out implicit discrimination, and Gabriel for reacting with dignity once he realized that what he said was a bit stupid.

Compare and contrast with the ineptness displayed by the PCB and Sarfraz.

Totally agreed. Gabriel's comments actually do seem a lot tamer than was rumoured. I thought he used the F word.

 

[Markhor]

Superb statement - that's how you do it.

Ehsan Mani take note and stop running your mouth about mean ICC being unfair over Sarfraz.

 

[princeuk]

It does seem very harsh considering teh aussie players im sure have said a lot worse over the years and they havent received bans for sledging.

 

[HitWicket]

Doesn't even deserve a single demerit point for this. This is really lame.

How is, what Gabriel, what Gabriel said offensive?

He attempted to use the implication that someone was gay to ridicule them, can you not see how that is homophobic?

 

[Dead Ball]

Ridiculous.

ICC just went full SJW on Gabriel.

 

[Bewal Express]

This is a ban based on clash of cultures- Homosexuality is seen as a sin in many parts of the world but in the Western World its part and parcel of the culture. Its interesting that ICC have been so harsh where a suspended sentence would have sufficed but when the Aussies were using abusive language such as bast*** and other words, it was seen as part and parcel of the game. Why are Western Cultural norms followed by the ICC?

 

[Mirpur express]

What a circus lol but pcb should take note of the statement by Shanon.. that’s how it’s done

 

[HitWicket]

This is a ban based on clash of cultures- Homosexuality is seen as a sin in many parts of the world but in the Western World its part and parcel of the culture. Its interesting that ICC have been so harsh where a suspended sentence would have sufficed but when the Aussies were using abusive language such as bast*** and other words, it was seen as part and parcel of the game. Why are Western Cultural norms followed by the ICC?

All Gabriel's punishment would have been would essentialy be a suspeneded sentence if he were not practically already on one for 2 accounts of deliberate physical contact with the opposition.

 

[Thomaskutty]

ICC ban was just ridiculous.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Lot of us confuse with discrimination and cultural values. There are certain types of abuses are taken seriously as they are one of the main reasons for discriminations. Race, Religion, Sexual orientation abuse of any of one of these will be met with similar punishment. Having said that Gabriel's comments probably was not to insult gays. Root's reply made his sledging worse. If someone abuses a religion on the ground he will receieve the same punishment. Infact far worse. I don't expect them to come out defensively and say "Why should we respect that religion".

 

[ahmedzee]

That sledge doesn't even deserve a fine. Very harsh from ICC. Absurd as well. Gabriel should contest the punishment given to him.

 

[PakPremi]

Superb statement - that's how you do it.

Ehsan Mani take note and stop running your mouth about mean ICC being unfair over Sarfraz.

Did Ehsan Mani really run his mouth I must have missed that statement?

 

[Balthazar]

Still, Gabriel shouldn't have brought that topic, whatever the case maybe. The only reason he asked that question is to insult him.

 

[hafeezrocks]

Still, Gabriel shouldn't have brought that topic, whatever the case maybe. The only reason he asked that question is to insult him.

I think all type of sledging should be banned because it's always an insult towards a player.

 

[leatherface58]

Good on Gabriel to genuinely apologize unlike Sarfraz but this kind of be behavior is not "cool" anymore. I know some people here still are stuck in the 80s but the world has moved on .

 

[Joseph Gomes]

ICC being SJW lol. Completely lost respect for them. This is a harmless sledge, Root is not a homo and and made a big deal out of it. Does ICC believe their propaganda would make people more accepting of LGBT? It won't.

 

[leatherface58]

He attempted to use the implication that someone was gay to ridicule them, can you not see how that is homophobic?

There is a lot of casual homophobia on this forum. Most people here do not even understand when they are being demeaning and apparently think only when you use the f word, you are being homophobic.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

4 Match ban!!!
That is toooo harsh.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Im guessing he was still angry for the series loss.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Can't beat em, might as well ban em.

 

[ssuhaide]

Having read Gabriel's statement I still think Roots comments were valid. He merely pointed out that that sort of talk isn't on. Whether he meant the mic to pick it up is not relevant. A standalone ban of 1 match and a fine would have been sufficient however the culmination of his previous d-merit points make the punishment seem more harsh.

 

[rhony]

After reading this statement, it appears to me that Root has trapped Gabriel and made a mountain out of a molehill. He never uttered Gay or the usual "F" word for gays. This is very innocuous that has blown out of proportion.

 

[rhony]

I hope "Are you mad? " won't be deemed as an insult to the mentally challenged in the future.

Exactly!!! There was nothing derogatory in asking, Why are u smiling at me? Do you like me, a boy?