Namibia all rounder Christoffel Viljoen was handed a four match ban after making racist comments. The incident happened during an ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier match.
On May 21, Namibia were playing against Uganda in Kampala. The comments made by Viljoen were breaching ICC’s Anti-Racism Code. On the match day, Viljoen made racist comments to Uganda players that landed him in trouble.
After the match, he was charged with offences under 2.1.1. of the Code. The 31-year old has accepted the charges against him.
Section 2.1.1 of the code, which Viljoen breached against Uganada, prohibits players from “engaging in any conduct (whether through the use of language, gestures or otherwise) which is likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify any reasonable person in the position of a player, umpire, match referee or any other person (including a spectator) on the basis of their race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin”.
His misconduct also four Suspension Points for each offence. The suspension points accumulated handed him four game ban. On the other hand, Viljoen will undergo education programme to better understanding on the offences he committed.
According to Article 7.3 of the Anti-Racism Code, Viljoen should attend to this programme. It will help the player to “promote a better understanding and awareness of issues”.
Viljeon is an important player in Namibia national team. Against Uganda, he scored 33 runs with the bat. Even in other games, he scored amazing well. He was brilliant with the ball as he picked up 4 wickets against Uganda.
His contributions helped Nambia finish at the top of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Final standings. Meanwhile, Namibia team will surely miss his services in both batting and bowling for their upcoming games.