"Poms" will still be "Poms" as ICC gets tough on racism

SYDNEY, Sep 27 (Reuters) England players and supporters can still expect to be called ''Poms'' in Australia following the International Cricket Council's adoption of an tough stance on racism.

The ICC announced a new amended code yesterday, partly in response to the racist abuse suffered by South Africa players on their last tour of Australia.

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission ruled in 1997, however, that only extreme use of the word ''Pom'' could be classified as racist provided it is not accompanied by abusive comments.

''The planning for next summer is a work in progress,'' CA spokesman Peter Young said.

''We have an absolute zero tolerance towards racism and we want to ensure there is a public understanding that there is no place for racism.'' CA may be considering measures such as installing telephone hot lines for offensive behaviour to be reported, and players being appointed as anti-racism ambassadors.

Australians, however, are certain to keep referring to their visitors as ''Poms'', upgrading the term to ''Whingeing Poms'' if England fail to mount a successful defence of the Ashes in the five-test series starting in Brisbane on Nov. 23.

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