Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq has criticised South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs for his alleged racist remarks against Pakistani fans during the first cricket Test at the Centurion this week, saying such incidents could spoil team relations.
"I am very upset because every player has to behave (with) responsibility on the field. No one has the right to use abusive or offensive language against any country or its people under any circumstances," Inzamam was quoted as saying in Urdu newspaper 'Jang'.
"Gibbs didn't do a very nice thing and these sort of things can have a bearing on relations between teams.
"I am a firm believer that sports should be kept away from controversies and racist problems," he added.
He said Gibbs' action should be condemned in strongest possible words.
Gibbs was caught on stump microphones mouthing expletives after an incident near the boundary line where two Pakistani supporters reportedly swore at teammate Paul Harris.
Gibbs was handed a two-Test ban, against which he has appealed subsequently.
Meanwhile, a Pakistan Cricket Board official has said that the Board was satisfied with the action taken by the match referee against Gibbs and had left it upto the team manager to handle all issues in South Africa.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, a Pakistan Cricket Board official has said that the Board was satisfied with the action taken by the match referee against Gibbs and had left it upto the team manager to handle all issues in South Africa.
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