Man fined for attack on Pakistan player

Author: 
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Publication Date: 
Tue, 2010-02-16 14:49

David James Fraser, 37, was found guilty after running onto a Perth's WACA Ground and tackling Latif to the ground from behind as he fielded against Australia in the Jan. 31 match.
Latif, 24, hurt his neck and later required medical attention after the incident.
Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said at the time that Latif had been lucky not to have suffered a serious injury.
The incident prompted Western Australian state cricket authorities to call for stiffer penalties for field invaders at the state's major sporting events.
Fraser was fined $5,400 on a charge of trespass for entering the playing field and $2,700 for common assault, after pleading guilty to both counts. He was also banned for life from attending the WACA ground immediately after the incident.
Fraser said following his arrest that he had been drinking all day and had run onto the field following a dare from a friend.
The West Australian Cricket Association said that following Tuesday's hearing it would continue to work with the state government and other major sporting bodies to push for tougher minimum penalties for pitch invaders.
"Field of play invasions by spectators during major sporting events are dangerous, disrupt major public events and can influence the outcome of those events, while also damaging Australia's and WA's reputation in the eyes of international viewing audiences," it said in a statement.
"The International Cricket Council has the power to revoke the WACA Ground's accreditation to host international cricket matches, and the WACA supports harsher penalties that would encourage members of the crowd to think twice before attempting to enter the field of play."

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