NEWS
Follow UsTwo spectators were removed from the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on the fifth day of the World Test Championship final for allegedly hurling racist abuse at some of New Zealand players.
"We received reports of abuse directed at the New Zealand players. Our security team were able to identify the culprits and they were ejected from the ground. We will not tolerate any sort of abusive behaviour in cricket," the ICC said in a media statement.
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the "two fans were in Block M, which is just below the on-site hotel where both teams are staying."
"It is understood that the abuse was both general and racist in nature. The ground security was triggered into action after the ICC was alerted by some fans through social media about the two persons who allegedly carried out the abuse."
It is understood that most of the abuse was directed towards Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor.
However, New Zealand seamer Tim Southee later said that no one in the dressing room was aware of the incident. "No, it's the first I've heard of it. The game is always played in a good spirit on the field. We're not sure obviously what's happening off the field."
Something similar happened earlier this year during the third Test between Australia and India in Sydney. A group of people was ejected from the ground after Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj reported to the match officials and his teammates that he was racially abused by some of the spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground.