Justice Hansen speaks out

While delivering the verdict on Harbhajan issue, Justice John Hansen did not forget to rap all parties concerned that included Harbhajan, Symonds, Australian players, ICC and Match Referre Mike Procter.

Firstly, he blamed the ICC goof-up for a lesser punishment to Harbhajan Singh. Hansen said he was under the impression that it was Harbhajan's second mistake. It was told to him by the ICC. However, soon after pronouncing the verdict, he came to know that Harbhajan had been penalized by the ICC at least 4 times in the past and most significantly in November 2001, he and three other Indian players had been fined 75 per cent of their match fees and given a suspended one Test ban for dissent. Hansen also admitted that he tried to figure out if he could change the verdict, but could not do so as he was powerless to do that.

"At the end of the day Mr Singh can feel himself fortunate that he has reaped the benefit of these database and human errors", Hansen said.

Hansen was critical of Symonds' remarks that "a Test match is no place to be friendly with an opposition player". Justice Hansen said "If that is his view I hope it is not shared by all international cricketers. It would be a sad day for cricket if it is". Hansen said Symonds admitted that he provoked Harbhajan Singh. Symonds had claimed that he had gone to the rescue of Bret Lee, with whom Harbhajan had an argument. However, Hansen said Harbhajan had just patted Lee saying 'well-bowled'.

Hansen made it clear that barring Sachin Tendulkar, no other players heard what transpired between Harbhajan and Symonds. Tendulkar admitted that both Harbhajan and Symonds had sworn at each other during which Harbhajan uttered the words "Teri Maa Ki" (a local slang) which sounded like "Monkey" to Symonds. Hansen also said that Symonds had breached the agreement on not abusing each other. He sonsidered the evidences given by Tendulkar as more substantial and reliable than the Australians.

The Australian players contradicted themselves during the hearing process. While Symonds himself admitted that he initiated the exchange and was abusive towards Harbhajan Singh, Michael Clarke said he did not hear Symonds saying anything. Hansen expressed surprise on this.

Justice Hansen was critical of all parties involved in the confrontation at the SCG, saying "their actions do not reflect well on them or the game". Justice Hansen also took an indirect dig on Match Referre Mike Procter by expressing his displeasure on the lack of formality and rigid transcription at the original hearing, recommending that such precautions be taken in future.