St George’s Cricket Club have apologised to the public for the behaviour of their senior players at Cup Match.

In a statement released by the club and signed by president Mishael Paynter yesterday afternoon, St George’s announced punishments for former captains Onias Bascome and Macai Simmons, while also promising to work with players and officials to improve conduct on and off the pitch.

“We, St George’s Cricket Club, apologise to our members, the public at large, and sponsors for our players’ behaviour and breaking of the Code of Conduct,” the statement read.

“Along with that, we hear you and the plethora of opinions on how to improve Cup Match, and throughout August will have several discussions with our executive, management, coaches, support staff and players as we begin to collectively chart a way to improve and enhance Cup Match not only off the field, but on it as well.”

The statement also revealed Bascome pleaded guilty to the Level 1 offence of showing dissent at an umpire’s decision after being given out leg-before by umpire Marc McCormack and entering into a prolonged protest.

Bascome was charge under rule 2.1.3 which says a player can be cited for “excessive, obvious disappointment with an umpire’s decision; an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; shaking the head; pointing or looking at the inside edge when given out lbw; pointing to the pad or rubbing the shoulder when caught behind; snatching the cap from the Umpire and arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the umpire about his decision.

“It shall not be a defence to any charge brought under this article to show that the umpire might have, or in fact did, get any decision wrong and the sanction attached to the Level 1 offence.”

Bascome’s punishment is an official reprimand and the forfeiture of up to 25 per cent of his match fee.

The remonstration by St George’s vice-captain Simmons after his dismissal was deemed more serious, with his abusive behaviour towards umpire Alex Knight warranting a Level 2 charge, which he accepted.

Simmons was charged under rule 2.2.1, which states that “dissent will be classified as ‘serious’ when the conduct contains an element of anger or abuse which is directed at the umpire or the umpire’s decision or where there is excessive delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket or where there is persistent re-reference to the incident over time.”

Simmons’s punishment is a fine of between 15 per cent and 50 per cent of his match fee, with St George’s not specifying the exact amount Simmons and Bascome would be out of pocket.

St George’s will hope the disciplinary action will bring a conclusion to the furore caused by a number of unsavoury incidents with Cup Match legends and politicians calling on the club to discipline their players.

Owen Darrell, the sports minister, added his call for behaviour to improve, stating that the spirit of Cup Match could be compromised by such behaviour.

“Cup Match is one of Bermuda’s most cherished events, and sportsmanship is essential to preserving its integrity and spirit,” Darrell said.

“While passion and emotion are a natural part of sport, they are never an excuse for bad behaviour.

“We support sportsmanship across all sports; however, disciplinary matters related to Cup Match fall under the responsibility of the clubs, St George’s and Somerset, as they pertain to their players.

“As a ministry, we are happy to support and work collaboratively with the clubs to uphold the integrity of the Annual Classic and maintain the public image of this signature event on Bermuda’s calendar.”