Mickey Arthur, who was unceremoniously sacked as Australia’s coach, has reportedly claimed that he was racially discriminated and is seeking compensation from Cricket Australia.
The 45-year-old South African, who was Australia’s first foreign head coach, was shown the door 16 days before the Ashes series and two years before his contract was due to expire. He was replaced by former Australia batsman Darren Lehmann.
Arthur was under fire for Australia’s poor performances — including their recent tour of India and the Champions trophy — and was also under severe criticism because of the disciplinary issues within the camp.
According to a Seven Network television report, legal documents tendered in court showed that Arthur — who reportedly had a salary of AUD 4,00,000 per year plus AUD 2,00,000 a year in bonuses — is seeking payments and compensation for the premature dissolution of his 2015 contract.
However, according to the report, Arthur had claimed that he was treated with discrimination because he was from South Africa and did not understand the Australian way.
The report also said that the documents showed “major tension” between Clarke and Watson, and that Arthur felt he was “the meat in the sandwich” between them. He has also reportedly claimed that Clarke had described Watson as a “cancer” on the national cricket team.
According to the Network, Arthur also alleged that Watson had told him about the bar-room brawl where Australia opener David Warner had punched England batsman Joe Root during the Champions Trophy.
“We’re disappointed it has come to this, but Cricket Australia is confident in its position on this matter and I’m sure it will get resolved in an appropriate fashion,” CA lawyer Dean Kino told Seven Network .
Although Australia had 10 victories, six defeats and three draws under Arthur, he was criticised for the “Homeworkgate” — where he dropped four players, including then vice-captain Watson for the third Test in India for failing to complete written reports on their individual contributions to the team’s performance.
