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Cricket Australia and Perth Stadium denounce ‘It’s OK to be white’ banner

Three men were escorted out of Perth Stadium by security after unveiling the banner.

Three men were escorted out of Perth Stadium by security after unveiling the banner. Photo: Supplied

Cricket authorities and Perth Stadium management have denounced an “It’s OK to be white” banner displayed during a Big Bash League match at the venue.

The banner, at Thursday night’s match between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder, was displayed on the stadium’s top tier for several minutes before it was taken down.

Three people were then ejected from the venue.

The phrase “it’s OK to be white” has often been associated with far-right groups and came to additional prominence in Australia when One Nation senator Pauline Hanson moved the term as a motion in Federal Parliament late last year.

It was initially supported by the Coalition Government, which later apologised and claimed the vote in favour was caused by an “administrative error”.

perth-stadium-bbl

Cricket Australia said it would issue a “first and final warning” to those involved. Photo: ABC

Cricket Australia said it would issue a “first and final warning” to the those involved with the displaying of the banner.

“Cricket Australia takes a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour at any of our matches, which includes racial vilification,” the governing body stated.

Perth Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna said ejecting the patrons and removing the banner was the right move.

“This is a stadium that is designed to bring people together,” he said.

“People are coming here to have a good time, not to be part of somebody’s political statement.”

-ABC

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