MCC finally punishes Lord’s members over Ashes abuse of Aussies

Three MCC members have finally been penalised for their behaviour during this year’s fiery Ashes Test at Lord’s.

An MCC member has been banned for life and another two copped suspensions for “abusive, offensive or inappropriate behaviour or language” during this year’s Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Following the controversial stumping of England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, the typically subdued MCC members turned hostile on day five of the second Ashes Test, hurling abuse at Australia’s cricketers as they entered the iconic Long Room at lunch.

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“It was really disappointing,” Khawaja told Channel 9 after the match.

“Some of the stuff that was coming out of the members’ mouths was really disappointing. I wasn’t just going to stand by and cop it, so I just talked to a few of them.

“A few of them were throwing out some pretty big allegations, and I just called them up on it.

“It was pretty disrespectful to be honest. I was expecting a lot better from the members.”

Pat Cummins of Australia walks through the Long Room. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Cricket Australia later confirmed team management had requested the MCC investigate “several incidents involving spectators in the members area”.

“It is alleged players and staff from the Australian team were verbally abused, with some being physically contacted as they made their way to lunch through the members area,” CA said in a statement at the time.

The MCC later announced that three members had been suspended and would not be permitted back to Lord’s while an investigation takes place.

On Thursday, the organisation confirmed the disciplinary process was complete, revealing that one member had been expelled, another suspended for 4.5 years, and a third suspended for 30 months for their involvement in the incident.

The MCC elected not to share the names of the three individuals.

“The actions of the three individuals in the pavilion on the day in question fell well below the behaviour expected from our members,” the MCC said in a statement.

Originally published as MCC finally punishes Lord’s members over Ashes abuse of Aussies