MCC member expelled for abusing Australia players during Ashes bust-up at Lord’s

05 October 2023 , 11:15

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MCC members were found to have used abusive and offensive language towards Australia players (Image: Sky Sports)

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has expelled one of its members after conducting an investigation into fracas with Australia players during the Ashes.

MCC members were seen clashing with Australian players inside the Lord’s pavilion following the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow on the fifth day of the second Ashes Test on July 2. Usman Khawaja had to be led away by security in the Long Room after reacting to some “disrespectful” abuse from a member of the public.

The MCC, which owns Lord’s and is the guardian of the laws of cricket, reacted by suspending three of its members and apologising to Australia for the “wholly unacceptable” behaviour. The organisation has now concluded its investigation into the incident and has expelled one member while handing out suspensions to two others.

All three were found to have used “abusive, offensive or inappropriate behaviour of language” but only one has been kicked out of the exclusive club. The other two have been handed a 30-month and four-and-a-half-year suspension respectively.

The MCC said the process would remain confidential and that they would not name any of those in question. Their statement read: “The actions of the three individuals in the Pavilion on the day in question fell well below the behaviour expected from our Members. The penalties set out above are the consequences of breaching the Club's Code of Conduct.”

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The confrontation between spectators and players happened after Carey threw down the stumps while Bairstow wandered out of his crease, believing the ball to be dead. Australia captain Pat Cummins decided not to withdraw his appeal and the dismissal stood.

Chasing 371 to win and make it 1-1 in the series, England were 193-5 when the dismissal occurred. They were eventually bowled out for 327 as Australia took a 2-0 lead and the incident sparked a huge conversation about the spirit of the game.

The MCC have finally conducted its investigation into the incident (Getty Images)

“Some of the stuff coming out of members’ mouths was really disappointing. I wasn’t going to stand by and cop it,” Khawaja said at the time. "A few of them were throwing out some pretty big allegations and if they kept going, well it’s your membership. I expect a lot better from the members.”

Cummins added: "The MCC came and apologised for the behaviour of some of the members. I think 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 and really welcoming.

"Something special about playing at Lord's is you feel like you're at a really special place surrounded by people who just share a love of the game."

Felix Keith