Police are investigating an alleged headbutt and racial slur during a less-than-gentlemanly game of cricket.
The incident occurred during a game between teams representing the Eden Roskill and Birkenhead clubs at Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill, a fortnight ago.
An Auckland Cricket Association investigation had been adjourned, chief
executive Andrew Eades said. "We can't comment further until the police have dealt with it, then we will have a meeting.
"The club has stood the man down from playing any [further] cricket games."
Both clubs remained tight-lipped about the incident when contacted. But the Herald on Sunday understands Indian player Sandeep Singh is the Eden Roskill player under investigation.
"I'm not in the best situation to talk about it," Singh said last night. "I can't comment."
A source said Singh was due to appear in court this week, but police were unable to confirm the allegation.
Eden Roskill club manager Adrian Ironside confirmed the incident revolved around a comment made to one of his players.
The clubs disagree whether a Birkenhead player described an Eden Roskill opponent as a "ninja" or a "nigger".
"Our players are adamant he called him a nigger," Ironside said. "The player headbutted him and a tooth was loosened."
There has been a spate of sports-related violence this year. In June, a young player and parent were banned from Whangarei junior rugby for up to two years after an onfield brawl.
In May, a Whangarei netballer was suspended after she allegedly punched a 12-year-old opponent in the head, and a man punched his son in the face after the boy's rugby team lost.
