The MCC will separate members from players for the remainder of the summer while it continues its investigation into the wild scenes in the normally sedate Long Room during the bad-tempered denouement to last week’s second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
Three members have already been suspended for directly confronting Australia’s players as they left the field shortly after England’s Jonny Bairstow had been controversially stumped by Alex Carey. Footage of the incident was widely broadcast while further clips have been exchanged on social media, and the club are asking witnesses to come forward as they attempt to identify other individuals involved in the abuse, and promising more disciplinary action should they do so.
Usman Khawaja and David Warner had to be pulled away from the scene after pausing to engage in heated, finger-pointing debate.
An email sent by the MCC chair, Bruce Carnegie-Brown, called on members to “police one another’s behaviour” while it reviews its procedures. The club will also expand the roped-off area through which players walk when they go between the dressing rooms and the pitch, while members will not be allowed to use the stairs while teams are walking through the building.
“I cannot downplay the impact that the behaviour of a few members has had on the perception of our club,” Carnegie-Brown wrote. “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.”
“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.”
