David Warner was fined 75 percent of his match fee and handed three demerit points

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia vice-captain David Warner has been cleared to play in the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, but was fined 75 percent of his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Warner, who was also handed three demerit points, was found guilty of a Level 2 breach of ICC’s Code of Conduct and was charged for violating Article 2.2.2 of the code, which relates to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute”.

With three demerit points on his record, if Warner receives another demerit point, he will be suspended for one Test or two ODIs/Twenty20 Internationals, whichever comes first.

The ICC’s move comes after CCTV footage emerged that showed Warner having to be physically restrained by his teammates while trying to confront South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.

The incident occurred as both teams were going up the steps for the scheduled tea intervals on the fourth day of the first Test in Durban.

It remains unclear what was said, but according to reports, De Kock made derogatory comments about Warner’s wife Candice, while Warner made some disparaging remarks about De Kock’s family and even called the 25-year-old a “bush pig”.

Australia captain Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Tim Paine have blamed De Kock for instigating the incident, while ex-South Africa skipper Graeme Smith and former left-arm spinner Paul Harris branded Warner as a “fool” and a “bully” respectively.

De Kock’s sister, Dalean, even got involved and took aim at Warner on Twitter, where she said: “Wtf (what the f**k) ! I’ll hurt you @davidwarner31.”

Warner has accepted the charge and sanctions proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe. As a result, there will be no need for a formal hearing.

Australia won the first Test by 118 runs and will be looking to extend their lead in the second Test, which begins on Friday.