Cricket South Africa sorry over mask controversy

Lions Lionel Mapoe tackled by Blues Sonny Bill Williams and Rieko Ioane during the Super XV Rugby Union match between Lions and Blues at Ellis Park Rugby Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Johannesburg. Pic/AFP

Two senior Cricket South Africa officials face disciplinary action after posing with spectators wearing masks showing the face of All Black rugby player Sonny Bill Williams during the second Test against Australia on Friday.

The masks were likely to have been worn to taunt Australian batsman David Warner, whose wife reportedly had an encounter with Williams in 2007 before meeting Warner. There have been calls on social media for spectators to wear the masks following a row between Warner and South Africa's Quinton de Kock during the first Test, which Warner blamed was sparked when De Kock insulted his wife. In a statement issued on Saturday, Cricket South Africa distanced itself from the action of the officials, marketing manager Clive Eksteen and communications manager Altaaf Kazi.

Eksteen is a former South African Test player. The two officials were photographed with three spectators wearing the masks at the match at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth.

The statement said CSA had taken "immediate precautionary steps" against the officials and that there would be an internal disciplinary process. CSA chief Chris Nenzani apologised to the Australian board and its officials, team management, players and their families.

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