Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has apologised after being kicked off a flight following an heated argument with two women.
Slater, 49, now a high-profile commentator, was asked to leave the Qantas flight before it took off from Sydney to Wagga Wagga on Sunday afternoon for “disruptive” behaviour.
Pictures show him standing on the tarmac surrounded by airport security and airline staff moments after he was ordered off the plane.
In a statement today, the former batsman said: “I did have an argument with two friends whilst boarding a flight to Wagga and I apologise for the inconvenience this caused other passengers on the flight.”
Witnesses told radio station 2GB that Slater swore and screamed abuse at one of the women, who told him to get away from her during the heated exchange.
He then allegedly locked himself in the aircraft toilet and refused to come out - a claim denied by his management.
Airport security were called to deal with the incident and Slater was asked by airline crew to get off the plane.
A spokesman for the airline said: “Prior to departure on a Sydney to Wagga Wagga flight on Sunday, a male passenger was asked to leave the aircraft for being disruptive.
“He complied with the crew’s request.” The former opening batsman played 74 tests for Australia between 1993 to 2001.
