Ashes 2013-14: Announcer denies racial slur towards England spinner Monty Panesar after he was sacked by Cricket Australia
David Nixon was sacked on the spot during England's warm-up match against a Chairman's XI for allegedly introducing Panesar in an Indian accent
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Your support makes all the difference.The announcer who was stood down by Cricket Australia for mocking Monty Panesar has denied making a racial slur towards the England spinner.
David Nixon rejects the allegation that he adopted an Indian accent to introduce Panesar during England’s tour match in Alice Springs on Saturday. “It comes as a complete surprise to me to be at the centre of a controversy about racial slurring,” he said. “I absolutely refute any allegation that I feigned an Indian accent.”
Nixon, a producer for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), had been using a sarcastic tone throughout England’s match against the CA Chairman’s XI and was cautioned during Friday’s play for teasing England batsman Joe Root.
Cricket Australia described his introduction of Panesar – who was born in Luton and is of Indian descent – as “inappropriate”, but Nixon is adamant he intended no offence. “All I said was: ‘There’s a change of bowler at the Traeger Avenue end... it’s Montyyy!’ That was it. I fail to see how anyone could interpret my introduction of Monty Panesar as racial slurring.
“Upon arriving back at my post after the lunch break on day two, I was met by a Cricket Australia representative who politely said words to the effect of, ‘We think that your personal style conflicts with ours and so we’ve relieved you for the afternoon.’ There was no mention made of my introduction of Monty Panesar or of a complaint being made. There was and is no evidence to support the allegation whatsoever and I will seek clarification from Cricket Australia on their decision to stand me down.
“I am certainly responsible for what I say, but not what people hear. There are few worse things than to be branded a racist. To have such an accusation levelled at me is not only offensive, but defamatory.”
The ICC has confirmed it will not be getting involved.
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