CA comes up with SMS complaint system

Melbourne:

For unruly fans trying to create trouble at Australian cricket grounds, punishment may soon be just an SMS away.

Cricket Australia (CA) is planning to introduce a service through which fans can complain against hooligans via text messages to the security guards, who would take just minutes to reach the spot and take action against the troublemakers.

CA public affairs manager Peter Young said the innovation was trialled during a recent game in Brisbane and it could well be used nationally next year.

"We are very keen on the idea ... if not this year then for next season," Young was quoted as saying by 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.

The move may not find much favour among the spectators, who are already complaining of overbearing security at matches.

But Young said the planned innovation would make the atmosphere better and to avoid any prank messages, the phone number to which the SMSs would be sent will be given out only on the match day.

"The CCTV footage is now so extensive that there's nowhere to hide, and if the call comes in from a fan, security can then use the CCTV to have a look at what that caller is complaining about," Young said.

"If it's a legitimate call they (security guards) turn up quickly," he added.