Umpire warned after on-field row

English cricket officials took the rare step of warning a first class umpire about his behaviour on Monday and ordered him to pay towards the costs of their hearing.

A meeting of a disciplinary panel of the English Cricket Board at Lord's ruled that former Test umpire Alan Whitehead had breached the ECB directive relating to fair and proper conduct on the field of play.

The decision followed an incident during the National Cricket League match between Warwickshire and Durham on July 23 when Whitehead was involved in a row with Warwickshire all-rounder Dougie Brown.

Whitehead, who has stood in five Tests and several one-day internationals, was cautioned about his future conduct and ordered to pay 250 pounds towards the costs of the hearing.

The panel said that in making its decision it took into account Whitehead's long and distinguished career as a player and umpire.

UNI

Mail Cricket Editor