"Ben didn't physically assault [the umpire]. Yes, he verbally abused him, but I have seen Bay representatives do it at the Bay Oval to umpires, and there are players who do it every game.
"From the club's point of view, Ben knows he is in the wrong and made a mistake. Personally I think one week is what it deserved, as they need to set examples, but four weeks is pretty harsh.
"Ben is a very, very good cricketer who puts time into cricket with coaching juniors. Was his clean record really taken into account and the things he does for the game? As Bay Development team captain he is up there for his leadership and maturity as well as his ability."
In the incident reported, Mount captain Guild was given out caught behind by umpire Ladyman but believed he had not hit the ball. Ladyman states that Guild swore at him as he walked off and at the drinks break two overs later, Guild walked on to the field and started to argue the decision again.
The contents of the umpires' report was accepted by Guild who did not seek to challenge any aspects but said he went on to the field at the drinks break as captain to talk to his batsmen. Both parties agreed Guild apologised after the match.
Northern Districts' commissioner appointed by New Zealand Cricket, David Small, was satisfied there were two Code of Conduct breaches made by Guild, at the time of dismissal and at the drinks break.
Bay of Plenty Cricket CEO Paul Reid said New Zealand Cricket took these sorts of incidents a lot more seriously these days.
"The process was followed very diligently in my view. These events are unfortunate for both Ben and the umpire involved," said Reid. "But from our point of view we wanted the incident dealt with appropriately, as we want to try and prevent these instances happening full stop.
"I feel for Ben but this is a timely reminder that behaviour in sport is a big issue and it is about creating the right sort of culture. Ben was not made an example of - it was always about making sure the right process was followed correctly."
Guild has appealed the decision to New Zealand Cricket within the specified timeline of 72 hours following the decision.
"I believe the decision was made in a vacuum, with no consideration given to context whatsoever - including that I am basically the only guy in the region who still walks when he's out - and also believe the interpretation of the code of conduct to be severe," Guild said.
Commissioner Small was not able to comment on his decision.
"I am a commissioner appointed under New Zealand Cricket and there are strict guidelines around commissioners not allowed to comment," he said.
