02 September,2011 09:14 AM IST | | AFP
Lancashire apologised Thursday to former England coach David Lloyd, one of the county's most high-profile ex-players, after stewards told him to leave the Members' Bar at Old Trafford before the start of Wednesday's Twenty20 international against India.
Lloyd, a Lancashire life member and a former captain of the county, is now one of English cricket's most high-profile broadcasters.
He told Thursday's edition of Britain's Daily Mail, for whom he is a columnist, he had been manhandled and forcibly ejected from the bar by stewards who believed he did not have the correct accreditation.
Lloyd said he was eventually told he had "two minutes to leave the area" before being ushered out.
ALSO READ
'Riff Raff': First look at Bill Murray, Pete Davidson in new crime-comedy
Varun Dhawan lauds Anjini for bagging debut film by herself
Have you heard? Self made!
'The Crow' movie review: Dark, broody but not satisfying
2024-25 IND v AUS Test battle will be the best series of the 21st century: Geoff
"I'm absolutely flipping livid," Lloyd said.
'I'm a life member and ex-captain of the club. I pointed out I was just looking at a few photos, and mentioned that I was in most of them," the former England batsman added.
"They asked me whether I was refusing to leave, and when I said I was going nowhere, two of them grabbed me by the arms.
"I said, 'We're in a stalemate here, because I'm not moving'.
"So they marched me a few paces before this other fellow steps in and tells me I've got two minutes to get out.
"It seems to be the only ground in the world where they go out of their way to be obstructive. You couldn't make it up."
Lancashire released a public apology Thursday saying: "There has been a good deal of sensitivity about security for players in the last 12 months and particularly around the Indian team, but there are no excuses for what happened.
"Sadly, common sense didn't prevail which unfortunately caused embarrassment to David and to the club.
"We have personally met with David to apologise and we are already thoroughly investigating the incident with the individuals concerned.
"We are clearly disappointed with what occurred on what was otherwise a very successful evening for Old Trafford."
World Twenty20 champions England won the match by six wickets to remain unbeaten against India this season after a 4-0 Test series rout.
The teams meet again in the first of five one-day internationals at Chester-le-Street on Saturday.
