Big Ben Blues

[Gob]

Cricket Australia is facing legal action after projecting an image of captain Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke on to Big Ben.




The image, which carried the message "Don't forget to pack the urn", a reference to the forthcoming Ashes series, was shone on to the London landmark at midnight (UK time) on Wednesday.

But the stunt appears to have backfired, The Guardian reports, with Australian cricket's governing body facing a court case and a possible £2500 ($4000) fine.

Westminster Council's deputy leader, Robert Davis, told The Guardian: "The Palace of Westminster is part of a Unesco world heritage site, and it's both inappropriate and insulting for this important location and its buildings to effectively be abused in this manner. It's also a criminal offence.

"If an organisation wishes to display advertising on it, or any other building in Westminster for that matter, they should apply through the normal channels like any right-minded person with respect for the law.

"Although we've not prosecuted previously [because] such stunts are usually over quickly, we do feel now that enough is enough and we're considering legal action.

"We also fear that without taking a firm stance this style of guerilla advertising will only increase, particularly in the run-up to [the London Olympics in] 2012."

The Guardian reports that Cricket Australia will be liable for a £2500 fine for breaking laws governing advertising consents if the council takes action and wins the case.

Ponting said the stunt was meant to put the England team on notice before they fly out to Australia.

"Winning the urn back from our age-old rival is the most prized achievement for Australians and we just wanted to send them a reminder not to leave the urn behind," Ponting said.

"Our message is clear - we're prepared and we're ready, so bring on the Ashes."

Clarke said the Ashes series would be an opportunity for the Australian team to show what they are made of.

"The Ashes is the ultimate cricket battle between our nations and this year will be no exception," Clarke said.

"The team will have to dig deep and deliver.

"We have some new faces in the squad this series who didn't play in England last time. So they're fresh and excited to be part of their first Ashes tour."

The Ashes series begins in Brisbane on November 25.


http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/cri ... 1772v.html

[The Hen]

Gosh. Are the poms smarting already?

Worried we'll take that little urn from you again?

Well don't be. The Ozzie side is a shambles as far as I can see.

[tyro]

The Guardian reports that Cricket Australia will be liable for a £2500 fine for breaking laws governing advertising consents if the council takes action and wins the case.

For £2500 the cricket club gets all this extra exposure? Sounds like really inexpensive advertising if you ask me.

[@meric@nwom@n]

The govt is sitting on a gold mine. They should charge huge amounts of money to flash ads on Big Ben. It would help keep Mohammad on the dole.

[oldr_n_wsr]

The MTA here in NY should do that on the Empire State Building to generate funds rather then train fare hikes, bridge crossing toll hikes and an MTA payroll tax on every business in their area.

[Gob]

The govt is sitting on a gold mine. They should charge huge amounts of money to flash ads on Big Ben. It would help keep Mohammad on the dole.

Oh! Fucking ouch @-W!! OUCH!!!!