Cricket Ireland have been forced to issue a statement after a Zimbabwean newspaper published a vile article about Irish cricketer John Mooney in the aftermath of Ireland's win over the African nation at the Cricket World Cup.
The article which is entitled 'Alcoholic Dumps Zim Out Of WC', was published in the State owned Herald newspaper and appeared online early this morning. We'd rather not link to it but the crux of the matter is that the newspaper dragged up an interview which Mooney gave to Hugh Cahill on 2FM's Game On last year and used it in a rather disgusting manner.
In that interview, Mooney described how a battle with alcoholism left him with suicidal tendencies. The writer, Robson Sharuko, used those words to criticise Mooney's character after he caught the decisive ball on Saturday to send Zimbabwe out of the World Cup.
Cricket Ireland have now come out with an understandably strong statement criticising the article.
In relation to the story that has appeared in today’s Zimbabwe Herald, it would be easy to dismiss it as a childish diatribe if it wasn’t for the vicious personal attack on John which cannot pass without comment, and possible action. John represents his country with honour, distinction and integrity. That he does in the face of personal challenges about which he has spoken openly and movingly demonstrates incredible hard work and great courage.
We understand, as does John, that public figures may occasionally be subject to negative comment, but in mocking John in such a contemptuous fashion, and using his personal difficulties as a mere punchline, the Zimbabwe Herald has demonstrated breath-taking crassness and a gross error of editorial judgement. We have made contact with ICC to understand what remedies might be available to us.
Let's hope something comes of that action.
