NZ cricket apologises after racial abuse of Jofra Archer
New Zealand Cricket is to apologise to Jofra Archer after the England paceman was racially abused while batting during the first Test.
Archer scored a second-innings 30 as the tourists failed to bat out the final day in Mount Maunganui, losing by an innings and 65 runs.
The 24-year-old said on Twitter: “A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today while battling to help save my team.
“The crowd has been amazing this week except for that one guy. The Barmy Army was good as usual also.”
READ: England captain Root urges Archer to ‘unleash a little bit more’
The England and Wales Cricket Board said it is looking into the matter, while New Zealand Cricket has released a statement of apology.
A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 25, 2019
It read: “New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologising to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui.
“Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavour to identify the man responsible.
We are shocked and disappointed to hear of the verbal abuse @JofraArcher received after the Test today. @englandcricket might be our rivals but they’re also our friends and racist abuse is never okay!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 25, 2019
“NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police.
“It will contact Mr Archer tomorrow to apologise for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance in the matter when the teams next meet in Hamilton.”