Benn banned for barging into Proteas dressing-room

West Indies spin bowler Sulieman Benn on Saturday received a one-Test ban for having barged into the South African dressing-room during last month's third Test between the two countries.

The spinner pleaded guilty to behaviour "contrary to the spirit of the game", according to the International Cricket Council, the sport's governing body.

Jeff Crowe of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees ordered the imposition of two suspension points, which amounts to a ban of one Test match or two ODIs or two T20Is -- whichever comes first for the player.

The incident took place during the lunch interval on the third day of the match when "Benn inappropriately and without invitation entered the South Africa team dressing-room in Kensington Oval and provoked some South Africa players and team management", the ICC said.

"This provocation resulted in a heated exchange of aggressive remarks."

Crowe added: "Whatever had gone on before Sulieman entered the Proteas' dressing-room, while helping to explain his behaviour, cannot justify it."

There had been an earlier on-field incident between Benn and South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, who was fined 100 percent of his match fee after being found guilty of spitting in the direction of Benn.

"Clearly, Sulieman has acted inappropriately here and in a way that is contrary to the spirit of cricket," said Crowe.

"We like the game to be played in a competitive way but, whether on or off the field, players must treat the opposition and the game itself with respect. That did not happen on this occasion and Sulieman has paid the price."