Australian pitch invader fined for attacking Pak player

Melbourne, Feb 17 : An Australian has been fined 9000 dollars for invading the cricket ground and attacking Pakistani player Khalid Latif during an ODI game.

 David James Fraser, 37, of Yangebup, Perth, tackled Latif to the ground from behind as he fielded against Australia at the WACA ground on January 31.

 Latif, 24, required medical attention for a hurt neck and Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said at the time that it was lucky the player was not seriously injured.

 The incident sparked outrage in Pakistan and led Western Australian cricket authorities to call for stiffer penalties for pitch invaders, The Age reports.

 Fraser was fined 6000 dollars for trespassing onto the WACA ground and 3000 dollars for common assault after pleading guilty to both counts. He was banned for life from attending the WACA immediately after the incident.

 Fraser said after his arrest that he had been drinking all day and ran onto the field following a dare from a friend.