Level of ‘vile abuse’ at Lord’s is exposed

Australia players reveal the level of abuse they received from cricket’s most exclusive club.

Usman Khawaja and Dave Warner in dispute with several MCC Members in the Long Room at Lords during the lunch break.

The fallout from the ugly scenes in the Long Room during the second Test at Lord’s continues, with players revealing the level of abuse they received from cricket’s most exclusive club.

Three members have been suspended and the MCC has called on others who witnessed the incidents to forward names of other offenders.

Candice Warner confirmed earlier reports in The Australian that the members physically, as well as verbally, attacked players as they made their way from the field following the controversial Jonny Bairstow stumping.

Her husband David, who was one of the targets, said he could not repeat what was said.

“It was absolutely incredible, I have never experienced anything like it,” Warner told the Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club podcast, hosted by former England stars Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell.

“I have copped some stuff before from people, but proper grown men, mature people who are meant to be the quietest at the home of cricket, it was something to behold.

“I wish I had a microphone so people could hear how loud it was in there. It was crazy. I can’t repeat it on here.”

Ricky Ponting was stunned by the level of the attacks he endured from members while doing a television cross on the boundary, saying it was the worst he could remember from any crowd anywhere in the world.

Candice Warner, speaking on Fox Sports’ The Back Page, elaborated, saying players were “kicked” and tempers flared between the teams and the English fans.

“Jonny (Bairstow) got up and had a few words, David had a few words back at him,” she said on Tuesday night.

“That whole Test was pretty grubby to be completely honest. It was very disappointing, even after the game when the supporters stuck around. There were players like Starcy (Mitchell Starc) and Pat Cummins trying to do their media, the vile abuse kept going.

“It wasn’t just those images (where Warner and Khawaja confronted MCC members before security intervened).

“It continued up two flights of stairs to the change room and two more flights of stairs up to where the boys were having lunch. You don’t want to see that anywhere.

“There were some players who actually were touched, were kicked. Usman Khawaja was really upset at what was directed at him as well.”

MCC chairman Bruce Carnegie-Brown has asked witnesses to identify others involved in the hooliganism in a searing letter to members.

“The members shown on camera have brought shame on MCC. Their actions hinder our efforts to promote the positive things our club does to promote and celebrate the game of cricket. Their actions inhibit our ability to carry out our role as guardian of the Laws of Cricket and the Spirit of Cricket,” the letter said.

Carnegie-Brown called on the members to identify others involved. Players confirmed to The Australian that some members had tried to trip them as they walked past.

“As you will be aware, Guy Lavender took immediate action to suspend three members on Sunday evening,” he wrote.

“He did so after identifying those individuals as having engaged in direct confrontation with the players. But the behavioural issue amongst members that day does not end there. Were more evidence to come to light, and additional witness statements gathered, further disciplinary sanctions would undoubtedly be warranted.

“We encourage any member with information that could lead to the identification of others involved to come forward. Your report will be treated in confidence and there is an option to make contact anonymously.

“Please click here or on the button below to access a form by which you can submit evidence.”