Australians have responded with a mixture of disbelief and anger to the ICC's decision to ban Darrell Hair from umpiring international matches, labelling it "tragic" and "disgusting".
Players, umpires, officials and media were united in their condemnation of world cricket's ruling body after Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh joined forces to vote him off the elite panel.
"It's disgusting," former Australian test captain Neil Harvey told the Sunday Telegraph. "He's probably the best around but it shows you the influence of the Asian nations."
Hair's sacking came after Pakistan lodged a complaint over his role in the forfeited test against England.
Another former Australia test captain, Bob Simpson, said Hair had been punished for taking a stand on issues which other umpires were unwilling to address.
"It's just a tragedy," Simpson said. "He has shown great courage in making decisions which other umpires are not brave enough to make."
Australian cricket officials pledged their ongoing support for Hair, saying he was welcome to continue his career in the domestic first-class competition.
"Cricket Australia would welcome him back with open arms," CA spokesman Peter Young told the Australian Associated Press. "He is one of the best going around."
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