MCC impose further measures on members to after second Ashes Test

MCC impose further security measures after members ‘brought shame’ for their abuse of Australia stars during second Ashes Test at Lord’s… with access to the stairwell now restricted and roped-off cordon extended

•  Lord’s suspends three MCC members after ugly scenes during the second Test
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MCC has drafted in a host of new measures in a clampdown on poor behaviour after Australia’s players were abused during the Ashes second Test. 

The Lord’s club suspended three members following tumultuous scenes in the Long Room when both sides returned for lunch following the controversial dismissal of England keeper Jonny Bairstow on Sunday.

Video footage captured a number of MCC members verbally abusing the tourists as they made their way back to the dressing rooms. 

And now, officials have decided to take further action ahead of Saturday’s Twenty20 international between England and Australia’s women’s sides. 

The roped-off cordon, which separates members from players, will be extended, while access to the stairwells when players are coming on and off the pitch will be restricted. 

The stairwell areas were one of the hotspots during the incident, which occurred when Bairstow was stumped by Aussie counterpart Alex Carey when the Yorkshireman believed the over had been completed.

MCC has drafted in a host of new measures in a clampdown on poor behaviour during  the second Ashes Test 

In a message to members seen by Mail Sport, MCC chair Bruce Carnegie-Brown adds that a tougher stance will be taken on the general behaviour of members, insisting that those responsible for last Sunday’s actions had ‘brought shame on MCC’. 

Carnegie-Brown also threatened further action on those involved in the abuse should new material come to light. An anonymous reporting option has also been provided for those who wish to come forward.

‘The Pavilion at Lord’s provides a unique experience, but we must recognise that as it stands this special atmosphere is at risk, both for players and Members,’ Carnegie-Brown says. 

‘The steps outlined above must be taken for our great Club to reassure the players who want to visit and become part of its rich history, and for all spectators (including Members themselves) to feel safe, welcome and inspired by their time spent here.’

Cricket fans fumed as Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped by Alex Carey at Lord’s

MCC LETTER TO MEMBERS IN FULL

Member,

It gives me no pleasure to be corresponding with you regarding Sunday’s unpleasant scenes in the Long Room. However, as Club Chair I feel I must address the continuing consequences for us as a Club, including some operational changes the Committee deems necessary for the remainder of the summer, pending a post-season review.

I cannot downplay the impact that the behaviour of a few Members has had on the perception of our Club. In less than 100 days the ECB will report back on the actions to be taken in response to the report, published just last week, of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket. As the second-most referenced organisation, we had much to reflect on in terms of the work we needed to undertake. This has now been brought into even sharper focus.

The video footage captured on Sunday (including some which was taken in clear breach of our Regulations) is there for all to see. The Members shown on camera have brought shame on MCC. Their actions hinder our efforts to promote the positive things our Club does to promote and celebrate the game of cricket. Their actions inhibit our ability to carry out our role as guardian of the Laws of Cricket and the Spirit of Cricket.

As you will be aware, Guy Lavender took immediate action to suspend three Members on Sunday evening. He did so after identifying those individuals as having engaged in direct confrontation with the players. But the behavioural issue amongst Members that day does not end there. Were more evidence to come to light, and additional witness statements gathered, further disciplinary sanctions would undoubtedly be warranted. We encourage any Member with information that could lead to the identification of others involved to come forward. Your report will be treated in confidence and there is an option to make contact anonymously. Please click here or on the button below to access a form by which you can submit evidence.

It has been my privilege to stand many times in the Pavilion to witness the brilliant reception teams receive as they go out to the middle and return. The knowledge, respect and support shown by MCC Members has hitherto been a source of great pride. Since Sunday, probing questions have been asked as to whether the route players take from dressing room to pitch can be considered appropriate in future. It disappoints me greatly to be having those conversations.

That brings me to operational arrangements within the Pavilion. These measures will be introduced on Saturday for the Women’s T20 International between England and Australia and will remain in place for the rest of the 2023 season. A thorough review of our Pavilion protocols will take place at the end of the summer, for us to consider as a Committee for the 2024 season.

The walk out of the Pavilion and towards the pitch is valued by players and Members alike. We are keen to preserve this but will be increasing the size of the roped-off “cordon” used by the teams as their conduit through the Long Room.

We will be restricting Members’ access in and around the stairwells at times when the teams are coming on or off the pitch. During those periods, Members will be required to wait at the ground floor or top floor level, with no access to either staircase.

The Club will be taking a tougher stance on the general behaviour of Members. We expect Members not only to heed the words of our stewards in this regard, but to police one another’s behaviour. It is unacceptable for any of us to point the finger of blame at others unless we are willing to intervene ourselves when we see behaviours which fall short of what is expected of Members.

All Members would do well to reacquaint themselves with the Code of Conduct regarding Members’ behaviour, and in particular:

“Any conduct demonstrating a failure to show respect, including abusive, discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour or language, will be considered a breach of the Rules of the Club and render a Member liable to expulsion or suspension from the Club as provided by Rule 6 of the Rules of the Club.”

The Pavilion at Lord’s provides a unique experience, but we must recognise that as it stands this special atmosphere is at risk, both for players and Members. The steps outlined above must be taken for our great Club to reassure the players who want to visit and become part of its rich history, and for all spectators (including Members themselves) to feel safe, welcome and inspired by their time spent here.

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