Ireland's Niall O'Brien has been banned for one ICC Intercontinental Cup match and warned about his future conduct after being found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct.
The Kent wicketkeeper was charged with a Level 2 offence following an incident against Scotland in Aberdeen last month.
Match referee David Jukes found O'Brien guilty under clause 2.8, which refers to ‘Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, team official or spectator’.
O'Brien was unhappy with the conditions at Mannofield after heavy overnight rain got under the covers and prevented a restart in play on the third day of the match, which ended in a draw.
‘The heavy rain that ruined a fascinating match was a cause of frustration for everyone concerned but that was no excuse for Mr O'Brien's outburst,’ said Jukes.
‘Public criticism of officials undermines the fundamental principles on which the game has been built.
‘In addition to the ban, the player has been warned that the ICC will view any repeat of this behaviour in a very bad light,’ added Jukes.
Meanwhile, Ireland skipper Trent Johnston, Scotland captain Craig Wright and Scotland coach Peter Drinnen were all charged with the Level 1 offence of ‘Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on, a match related incident or match official’.
Ireland's next ICC Intercontinental Cup match is an away fixture against the United Arab Emirates in February 2007.
