Harbhajan hit with ban

Harbhajan Singh talks to the umpires following the incident at the SCG © Getty Images

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Harbhajan Singh has been banned for three Test matches after being found guilty under section 3.3 of the International Cricket Council code of conduct.

The charge related to an incident on the third day of the second Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with local reports alleging Harbhajan had racially abused Andrew Symonds.

The incident occurred when Harbhajan was batting with Sachin Tendulkar during India’s first innings.

It was alleged that Harbhajan had an argument with Symonds, during which time he used the word “monkey” directed at Symonds.

“I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Harbhajan Singh directed that word at Andrew Symonds and also that he meant it to offend on the basis of Symonds’ race or ethnic origin,” said match referee Mike Procter.

The relevant section of the ICC code refers to players or team officials “using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, gender, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin".