Derbyshire’s Billy Godleman given two-match ban for ‘dangerous throw’

The batsman Billy Godleman has been suspended for Derbyshire’s next two games after an incident in his side’s win over Gloucestershire.

Godleman was reported for “throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official” during the LV County Championship Division Two match at Bristol. It is 26-year-old Godleman’s second level two breach of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s disciplinary regulations in a matter of months.

He collected three penalty points after making physical contact with an opponent during last September’s game against Leicestershire, meaning his latest infraction cost him six penalty points and a suspension.

An ECB statement read: “The England and Wales Cricket Board’s Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) today confirmed that Billy Godleman has received an automatic suspension under the ECB’s directives.

“During Derbyshire’s LV County Championship match against Gloucestershire between 26 and 29 April 26, Godleman was reported by umpires Rob Bailey and Martin Saggers for a level two breach of the directives: throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner.

“Godleman had previously received three penalty points following a level two breach in September 2014. The penalty for a subsequent breach at level two within 24 months is six penalty points. Godleman has therefore received a total of nine penalty points, triggering an automatic suspension.

“He will be suspended from all cricket under the jurisdiction of the ECB until and including Wednesday 13 May – a period which covers Derbyshire’s next two first XI fixtures.

“These penalty points will remain on his record for a period of two years and the accumulation of nine, 18 or more penalty points in any two-year period will result in an automatic suspension.”

Godleman will miss the Championship matches against Glamorgan and Northamptonshire. He will be eligible to return for the NatWest T20 Blast opener against Yorkshire on 15 May.
THEGUARDIAN.COM