Hair issues apology for resignation fiasco
Darrell Hair issues apology for resignation fiasco
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Tuesday, 29, Aug 2006 10:39
Darrell Hair has issued an apology for requesting money in exchange for him retiring from umpiring first-class cricket.
The underfire official made the proposal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) via email last week, saying he wanted US$500,000 (£266,000) to walk away from the game.
His offer came after he controversially awarded the fourth Test between England and Pakistan to the hosts after penalising the tourists for alleged ball-tampering.
The unprecedented proposal caused shockwaves to reverberate throughout the game and much criticism has been subsequently lodged the Australian's way.
Responding to the barrage, Hair issued a statement today saying he was apologetic but that he had been "ill-advised".
"I wish to apologise to all my family, friends and supporters, because I somehow feel that I may have let them down, simply by sending an ill-advised but entirely confidential email that has given other people the opportunity to question my motives," he said.
In his statement, he added: "I want to thank my friends and family for their support. In addition, I want to thank so many supporters from around the world, for their support in huge numbers.
"I am both stunned and gratified by those messages from people I've never even met."
Malcolm Speed, ICC chief executive, has described Hair's offer as "totally inappropriate" but has not yet revealed what action, if any, will be taken against him.