Vermeulen to appeal ban 14 Sep 2006 By: Liam Camps

Facing a 10-year ban from English first-class and league cricket, Mark Vermeulen - the former Zimbabwe international has elected to appeal the decision.

The batsman's lawyers issued a statement revealing that Vermeulen only learned of the ban through the media and he was not informed that such disciplinary proceedings were in motion. A statement by Andrew Fitch-Holland (of Line and Length Sports Consultants) went on to express an apologetic response by Vermeulen in light of the matter.

"Mark is devastated to find himself in this position and understands that his behaviour at the match in question was far from acceptable. Naturally he wishes to offer his heartfelt apologies not just to those who witnessed the incident, but to the League and his team-mates," the statement read.

According to the statement, the League has been contacted, and a personal hearing has been requested.

"At such a hearing mitigation will be offered in the hope that the League would then be fully aware of all the circumstances surrounding this incident," continued the statement.

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