Ben Stokes apologises for foul-mouthed outburst as England demand extra security after support staff are abused

The allrounder responded to a tirade of abuse upon being dismissed at The Wanderers and could be sanctioned by the ICC

• Scorecard
• Day One Talking Points

Ben Stokes has apologised for his "unprofessional" response to abuse from the crowd upon being dismissed during on day one of the fourth Test at The Wanderers.

The England allrounder was targeted as he made his way from the field in Johannesburg, after being dismissed for just two by South Africa's Anrich Nortje, and responded with a foul-mouth tirade.

"Come say it to me outside the ground, you f*****g four-eyed c**t," the Durham man said before departing for the dressing room. The entire exchange was captured and subsequently broadcast on TV.

Stokes' actions could yet be pushed by the ICC, though a statement from the governing body has yet to be issued.

In a contrite statement relating to the incident, the 28-year-old - whose father has spent much of the tour in hospital after falling ill before the first Test - has expressed regret for the episode.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

“I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on the live broadcast today after my dismissal," the ICC cricketer of the year said. "I should not have reacted in that way.

“As I was leaving the playing area, I was subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd.

“I admit that my reaction was unprofessional, and I sincerely apologise for the language I used, especially to the many young fans watching the live telecast around the world.

“Throughout the Tests so far, the support from both sets of fans (England and South Africa) has been brilliant. One incident will not ruin such a competitive series, which we are determined to win."

But Stokes is not the only individual to have been singled out by those in attendance at the Bull Ring.

Several of the tourists' support staff have also been victims of abuse from ticket holders, both during and after play concluded.

^{Ashley Giles wants tighter security for the remainder of the Test}

Director of men's cricket Ashley Giles says the ECB have demanded that security around the team be increased for the remaining days of the Test following the unsavoury scenes.

"It is disappointing that a member of the public has gone out of their way to abuse Ben as he was leaving the field," he added. 

"Ben is fully aware that he should not have reacted in the way that he did and apologises for his actions.

“In addition to this incident, members of our support staff were subjected to personal abuse during and after the day’s play. 

"We have requested to the venue to ensure that security and stewarding are enhanced for the remainder of the match so that players’ and staff members can go about their duties without provocation.”