MCC members’ letter reveals Lord’s ‘shame’ over Long Room abuse

The MCC has sent a searing letter to its members following the ugly scenes in its Long Room on the last day of the Lord’s Test, berating those involved for bringing ‘shame’ on the organisation.

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

The MCC has sent a searing letter to its members following the ugly scenes in its Long Room on the last day of the Lord’s Test, berating those involved for bringing “shame” on the organisation and suggesting they want to take further action.

Three members have been suspended, but MCC chair Bruce Carnegie-Brown has asked witnesses to identify others involved in the hooliganism.

Australian players were verbally and physically abused following the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, apparently enraged that the wicket keeper had been given out under the laws written by their own organisation.

Carnegie-Brown, who is also chair of Lloyd’s London, says the MCC is the “second most referenced organisation” in the recent damning report on racial inequity in English cricket.

Usman Khawaja, the only Muslim player in the Australian side, was involved in a number of confrontations during the incident but denied there was a racial element to the abuse he received.

“The video footage captured on Sunday (including some which was taken in clear breach of our Regulations) is there for all to see,” Carnegie-Brown told members in the letter.

“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.”

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.”

Pat Cummins condemned the behaviour but said he would not like to see the tradition of walking through the Long Room discontinued.

“I think they were just quite aggressive and abusive towards some of our players, which I know the MCC were not too happy with.

“The MCC came and apologised for the behaviour of some of the members and some of them might lose their membership over the way they behaved.

“Other than that one time, they were fantastic all week. The members here are normally fantastic, really welcoming.”

The MCC will, however, change arrangements that see players walk past members and their guests on the way to and from the field.

“It has been my privilege to stand many times in the Pavilion to witness the brilliant reception teams receive as they go out to the middle and return,” Carnegie-Brown said.

“The knowledge, respect and support shown by MCC Members has hitherto been a source of great pride. Since Sunday, probing questions have been asked as to whether the route players take from dressing room to pitch can be considered appropriate in future. It disappoints me greatly to be having those conversations.

“We will be restricting Members’ access in and around the stairwells at times when the teams are coming on or off the pitch. During those periods, Members will be required to wait at the ground floor or top floor level, with no access to either staircase.

“The Club will be taking a tougher stance on the general behaviour of Members. We expect Members not only to heed the words of our stewards in this regard, but to police one another’s behaviour. It is unacceptable for any of us to point the finger of blame at others unless we are willing to intervene ourselves when we see behaviours which fall short of what is expected of Members.

“All Members would do well to reacquaint themselves with the Code of Conduct regarding Members’ behaviour, and in particular: “Any conduct demonstrating a failure to show respect, including abusive, discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour or language, will be considered a breach of the Rules of the Club and render a Member liable to expulsion or suspension from the Club as provided by Rule 6 of the Rules of the Club.”

“The Pavilion at Lord’s provides a unique experience, but we must recognise that as it stands this special atmosphere is at risk, both for players and Members. The steps outlined above must be taken for our great Club to reassure the players who want to visit and become part of its rich history, and for all spectators (including Members themselves) to feel safe, welcome and inspired by their time spent here.”