Benn banned for two ODIs after being found guilty of conduct contrary to the Spirit of Cricket

West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn has received two suspension points while Australia's Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson have been fined 25 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, of their match fees after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Test between the two teams in Perth.

Two suspension points in the enhanced code means a ban of one Test or two ODIs, depending whichever comes first for the player.

As such, Benn will miss the opening two ODIs against Australia in Melbourne and Adelaide on 7 and 9 February 2010.

Benn was charged with an article 2.2.11 offence while both Haddin and Johnson were charged with an article 2.1.8 offence. Both these offences prohibit players from conducting themselves in any way that is not in accordance with the spirit of the game.

The incident that led to the charges being laid took place during the 118th over of Australia's first innings. On the first ball of the over, Benn collided with non-striker Johnson while trying to stop the ball off his own bowling.

Two balls later, Haddin became involved when he pointed his bat at the bowler who had shaped to throw at the striker's end with the batsman standing in his crease.

The three players then got embroiled in a heated altercation at the end of the 118th over with the 28-year-old from Barbados pointing at the Australia wicketkeeper over the shoulder of Johnson.

The Australia players pleaded guilty at an early stage and, under the provisions of the new code, the matter was determined by Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees without the need for a full hearing. However, a hearing involving Benn was held at the close of the second day's play after the spinner pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against him.

Mr Broad handed down the punishment after looking at the video evidence of the incident and after conducting the hearing, which was attended by the on-field umpires Ian Gould and Billy Bowden, third umpire Asad Rauf and fourth umpire Rod Tucker (who all had laid the charges). The hearing was also attended by West Indies team manager Joel Garner and captain Chris Gayle.

Commenting on his findings, Mr Broad said: "It was an incident which could have been avoided. No one likes to see cricketers pointing bats at their opponents or pushing each other away.

"It is not the sort of example that players should be setting at any time, least of all in a series which is being played in a great spirit and being followed by millions around the world on television.

"The decision to find Sulieman guilty of a Level 2 offence is indicative of the fact that conduct contrary to the spirit of the game is completely unacceptable. I hope he has learnt his lesson and will be careful in the future."

Sanctions included in Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct can range from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player's match fee, while the penalty for a Level 2 offence ranges from a fine of between 50 and 100 per cent of the player's match fee and/or two suspension points.

For Level 2 offences players have the right to appeal against match referee's decision within 48 hours of notification of that decision, while for a first Level 1 offence the match referee's decision is final and binding.