South Africa incensed by abuse

Majola threatens SA boycott of Australia

Cricinfo staff

January 30, 2006

Gerald Majola: 'If it continues, yes, we would look very seriously about whether we return here for another series' © Getty Images

Majola, who is in Perth to watch South Africa play Sri Lanka in the VB Series, was quoted in the Cape Times as saying: "It is very serious and if it continues, yes, we would look very seriously about whether we return here for another series."

South Africa have been targeted by a tiny minority of racists during their tour. The worst incidents occurred during the Test at Perth in December when several players were called "kaffirs" and "kaffir boeties" - they also complained about similar incidents at Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

"It is not right when a country has a history like ours. It is something that we never thought we would hear about," Majola explained. "The sad thing is, it has continued around Australia. It hasn't just been limited to one state or one city."

South Africa's management were advised against making the original incidents at Perth public for fear of triggering copycat abuse on other grounds. But after consulting the players, the decision was reached that such matters needed to be flagged.

While there is no mistaking Majola's anger at the incidents, it is unlikely that South Africa would shun future tours, not least because it would leave them facing a hefty fine by the ICC for failing to honour their commitments under the Future Tours Programme.

But Cricket Australia are taking the matter seriously and a review of security on grounds is underway at the moment.

© Cricinfo

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Players/Umpires

Gerald Majola

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South Africa tour of Australia

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Australia

South Africa