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Hansen rubbishes speculation of deal
Justice John Hansen, the ICC appointed Appeals Commissioner, on Wednesday rubbished media speculation that some "sort of deal" was involved.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: January 30, 2008 04:54 PM IST
Read Time:2 min
Adelaide:
In a detailed order about the hearing he has conducted on Tuesday, Hansen said that no one had attempted to apply "direct pressure" on him to obtain the outcome although he was aware of the media furore surrounding the issue.
"That was my decision and my decision alone," he said, adding, "It is incorrect to suggest that there was some sort of agreement reached between Australian and Indian cricket authorities that I simply rubber stamped."
"I made that decision on the basis of my factual findings and my legal interpretation of the Code of Conduct and interpretation I may add that counsel were by and large in agreement with," Hansen said in his 22-page order.
Hansen also said if he had been aware of Harbhajan's serious transgression in November 2001 the penalty could have been different.
"However, if I had been aware of the serious transgression in November 2001 I would have required more extensive submissions as to the offence in mitigation which could have led to a different penalty.
"Overnight I have given earnest consideration to the Code of Conduct to see if it empowers me to reopen the sentencing process. Regrettably I have concluded that I cannot do so and the penalty imposed by me must stand," he said.
Justice John Hansen, the ICC appointed Appeals Commissioner, on Wednesday rubbished media speculation that some "sort of deal" was involved in his clearing Harbhajan Singh of the charge of racially abusing Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds.In a detailed order about the hearing he has conducted on Tuesday, Hansen said that no one had attempted to apply "direct pressure" on him to obtain the outcome although he was aware of the media furore surrounding the issue.
"That was my decision and my decision alone," he said, adding, "It is incorrect to suggest that there was some sort of agreement reached between Australian and Indian cricket authorities that I simply rubber stamped."
"I made that decision on the basis of my factual findings and my legal interpretation of the Code of Conduct and interpretation I may add that counsel were by and large in agreement with," Hansen said in his 22-page order.
Hansen also said if he had been aware of Harbhajan's serious transgression in November 2001 the penalty could have been different.
"However, if I had been aware of the serious transgression in November 2001 I would have required more extensive submissions as to the offence in mitigation which could have led to a different penalty.
"Overnight I have given earnest consideration to the Code of Conduct to see if it empowers me to reopen the sentencing process. Regrettably I have concluded that I cannot do so and the penalty imposed by me must stand," he said.
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