Darren Sammy
West Indies batsman Darren Sammy salutes the crowd as he walks off during their Cricket World Cup match against Ireland in Nelson, February 16, 2015. REUTERS/Anthony Phelps REUTERS/Anthony Phelps

The International Cricket Council, or ICC, has sanctioned West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy and Irish bowler John Mooney after the duo were heard using foul language during their respective teams’ match in Nelson, New Zealand on Feb. 16. Sammy was reportedly heard on television screen using offensive words during his innings in the 34th over while Mooney was caught swearing after a fielder dropped a catch in the 45th over.

According to a report on ICC’s official website, Sammy and Mooney violated Level 1 Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with “language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International match.” The violation can carry a maximum penalty fee of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, but Sammy and Mooney were only fined 30 percent of their match fees as a result of the incident.

The report further said that Sammy and Mooney took responsibility of their offences; hence, a formal hearing was not encouraged. They reportedly accepted the fine imposed by match referee Chris Broad.

Sammy has already expressed regret for the use of lewd language during a press conference after the match. He also made an apology through his account on Twitter.

“I’ve been handed a breach of the code of conduct for a swear word,” Sammy said via Cricket.com.au. “So I’d like to apologise to the viewers for that, especially the young kids listening.”

The West Indies 304-7 (50 overs) lost to Ireland 307-6 (45.5 overs) by four wickets in the opening Pool B match at Saxton Oval, Nelson. It is the third consecutive World Cup in which Ireland has defeated a Test nation. Ireland beat Pakistan and Bangladesh at the 2007 Cricket World Cup and England at the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

The West Indies now sit at the eighth spot in the One Day International, or ODI, rankings. Ireland, which is at the 11th place in the ODI rankings, will play against United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan in their bid to secure a quarterfinal place in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

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