Ballesteros fined over Italian Open outburst
IN: News | European PGA | Italian Open (2003) | General | 22 May 2003
Statement from Mark James, Chairman of The European Tour Tournament Committee, following a meeting at Wentworth with Seve Ballesteros to discuss his disqualification from the 60th Italian Open Telecom Italia at Gardagolf, Brescia, earlier this month.
Mark James said: "The committee had a meeting with Seve. We've heard his full explanation. He put his side of the story and we've spoken to the parties we believe are relevant and had a full discussion following that meeting and Seve will be severely reprimanded for the scorecard incident. We know he was just making a stand on that and it was not an attempt in any way to cheat, and he will be fined for a breach of the Tour Regulations for the attacks on John Paramor and the Tour.
"If Seve chooses to disclose the amount that's up to him but the Tournament Committee are not doing so. The views of the Committee were unanimous. Obviously it's with reluctance we ever fine anyone like Seve. There is nothing else to say really.
"I think Seve was fairly comfortable with fellow players and he put forward his side of the story with intensity and vigour."
Statement from Seve Ballesteros
Seve Ballesteros said: "We had a good meeting and it was very brief. I said what I had to say and I tried to defend myself in a way I thought was fair. They listened to me and I will accept what the Committee decides because they represent the players. They will have to make a decision based on what they think is fair. Nothing further to say."
Source - European Tour
