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This is an archive article published on January 30, 2001

Oops, I did it again — Googly guy sorry for his wrong one

Sydney, January 29: Australia’s Nine Network had to apologise to its viewers on Monday over the foul abuse dished out t...

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Sydney, January 29: Australia’s Nine Network had to apologise to its viewers on Monday over the foul abuse dished out to an opposing batsman by Australian cricket’s naughty boy, Shane Warne, during a match here on Sunday.Fans watching Australia thrash Zimbabwe in a tri-series match at Sydney Cricket Ground clearly heard Warne utter a string of obscenities at Stuart Carlisle after the batsman had twice hit him for sixes. The remark was picked up by a stump microphone and broadcast live and the station’s switchboard lit up as irate viewers called to protest.

Nine sport director Gary Burns said the incident was “unfortunate†and the network was sorry the comment had got to air.

However, Burns said the network would continue to use the stump microphones and would take no disciplinary action over the incident. “It was definitely not our intention for that type of language to be broadcast,†Burns said in a statement.Warne is on contract with Channel Nine and has done television commentary of international matches when not playing.

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“We know Shane would never say that deliberately and that his comments were said in the heat of the battle,†said Burns. “However, the players are well aware the stump microphones are there and it’s unfortunate that occasionally some swearing does get picked up.â€

“It’s a problem faced by sports broadcasters the worldover and not just confined to cricket.

“The stump microphones have been a part of Nine’s coverage for over 20 years…We plan to keep using them.â€

Warne said later it was disappointing that his comments were broadcast.“Obviously it’s disappointing that it eventually got into the loungerooms,†he told ABC radio.

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“It was something I said out of frustration. He was batting well and hit me for a couple of sixes, so I was a bit disappointed.†Australian coach John Buchananan said the incident was regretable but understandable given the pressure on players and the scrutiny on the field with cameras and microphones in every conceivable position.

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