Shannon Gabriel suspended for four ODIs over 'gay' remark

West Indies player Shannon Gabriel has been suspended by the ICC for the first four ODIs of the upcoming five-match series against England. The ban was imposed as his accumulated demerit points reached eight within a 24-month period after his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the West Indies vs England for third Test match. 

Gabriel was received a 75 per cent fine and three demerit points for his alleged homophobic remark in an exchange with England captain Joe Root during the match.

“During the third day of the St Lucia Test against England on Monday, Gabriel was found guilty of breaching article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an international match”, following an incident with England Captain Joe Root,” the ICC said in a release.

Gabriel's comment to Joe Root was not audible to television viewers but according to British broadcaster Sky Sports the England captain was heard replying to the bowler: "Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay".

Umpires Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena spoke to Gabriel afterwards and he was charged with breaching Article 2.13 of the ICC's Code of Conduct on Tuesday.

"The charge, which was laid by match umpires, will now be dealt with by Match Referee Jeff Crowe," the governing body said in a statement on Tuesday. "Until the proceedings have concluded, the ICC will not comment further."

Article 2.13 addresses personal, insulting, obscene or offensive language directed at other players or match officials.