Optus Stadium security guards confiscated a provocative banner from young fans on day three of the first Test against the West Indies in Perth.
The protest sign read “Justice for JL” – referencing former men’s head coach Justin Langer and his messy departure in February.
Security sources confirmed the sign, which was hanging on the boundary fence at the bottom of the Justin Langer Stand, was controversial.
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The build-up to the summer’s opening Test was marred by Langer, who last week voiced his grievances with the national team on a podcast, claiming leaks from “cowards” led to his downfall.
Langer clarified he was not referring to any of the current players when he used the term “cowards”.
The group of local teenagers began chanting their support for the Perth-born Langer after security removed the banner.
The behaviour did not violate Cricket Australia’s terms and conditions of entry, which specifies: “I will not wear or otherwise display commercial, political, religious or offensive signage or logos”.
Optus Stadium said the banner was removed because it was overlapping commercial signage, not because the message was offensive.
The banner was stored at the ground and is available to be picked up at the end of play.
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