Somerset Cricket Club president Richard Scott has defended his club’s decision to water down an initial ban imposed on St George’s vice-captain Macai Simmons.

Simmons was initially banned by Somerset from its premises for a year following an altercation with coach Janeiro Tucker after the Cup Match trophy ceremony at Wellington Oval last August.

However, after discussions with St George’s Cricket Club during their annual joint Cup Match meeting, Scott said a vote was then taken by Somerset’s management committee, which led to the decision to suspend Simmons’s ban until the end of the year.

“The ban hasn’t been rescinded or lifted and is in place as stands, but it has been suspended through the end of the year,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“Any infractions, and we are hopeful there will be none, the ban will be enacted immediately. This has been communicated to St George’s Cricket Club who are in agreement.

“The democratic process of voting was followed. We at Somerset Cricket Club were made aware of some additional information from St George’s Cricket Club that gave way for further consideration.

“Under no circumstances do we condone any anti-sportsmanship behaviour, and our decision for the ban should serve as notice that we will not hesitate to carry out disciplinary action when necessary.”

The club have received heavy criticism for their recent decision from former Somerset Cup Match player George “Friday” Bremar, who feels the sanction is far too lenient and “sets a bad example”.

“They should have banned him and upheld it,” Bremar said.

“Suspending the ban for a year is not enough because these guys have to be taught a lesson. This game is not just about you going out there, showing off or making yourself look big in front of the crowd.”

The incident between Simmons and Tucker was witnessed by many around the ground, among them the Somerset president, with Simmons removed from the vicinity by police officers providing post-match security.

“They are setting a bad example and when the police have to come in, then things are out of hand,” Bremar said.

“They have set a bad example by how they dealt with this guy and even the president witnessed the incident.

“They are setting a bad example for up-and-coming cricketers because when they see things like that they are going to think they can also get away with it. That’s what will enter their minds.

“These guys are making their club look bad and the club committees must stand on their feet and tell the guys what they expect from them.

“First they have to learn about the significance and history of Cup Match and also learn to appreciate their club.”

Scott is aware of the criticism but feels that the correct decision has been made.

“I am aware that not everyone is happy about the decision to suspend the ban, but everyone is upset and feels like someone deserves harsh punishment until they are in a similar situation where they need a little bit of grace,” he said.

“Again, this is by no means condoning the behaviour, but we were presented with additional information from St George’s Cricket Club and have to trust their processes as well.

“I have received messages from a number of people expressing their displeasure in what they think has been a rescinding or taking off of the table of the ban, and the funny thing is some of those same individuals were not always the most well-behaved themselves — they simply got away with it.”

Scott said the situation highlights the necessity for every individual to self-govern themselves in a respectful manner.

“We as a community are quick to point fingers at organisations for not exercising punitive authority over individuals,” he said.

“Doesn’t that authority begin at home? Shouldn’t we as individuals govern ourselves responsibly and then ensure, or at least teach, our children to govern themselves respectfully as well?

“We are often quick to look out before looking within. In any case, it is our hope that we are not here again and that lessons have been learnt.”

St George’s also came under heavy fire for the sanctions imposed upon senior players Simmons and Onias Bascome for their conduct in Cup Match 2025.

Former captain Bascome received an official reprimand and was docked up to 25 per cent of his match fee after pleading guilty to the Level 1 offence of showing dissent towards at an umpire’s decision. Simmons was also hit in the pocket after being fined between 15 per cent and 50 per cent of his match fee after pleading guilty to a Level 2 offence of showing serious dissent at an umpire’s decision.

However, the sanctions drew fierce criticism from the public and former Cup Match players such as St George’s legend Clarence Parfitt and star Somerset wicketkeeper Barry DeCouto, who felt the punishments were far too lenient.