MANCHESTER, Aug 29: Thousands of people have signed an online petition calling on the ICC to remove Darrell Hair from the elite panel of umpires. Launched less than a week ago there has been unprecedented support from cricket fans from around the world for this petition.

Organised and run by PakistanCricketNews.com the petition makes it clear in no uncertain terms that Darrell Hair's days as a top level umpire should be brought to an end, a release said on Tuesday.

Commenting on the current situation, Mohammad Wasim, the author of the petition and co-founder of PakistanCricketNews.com said: “Even before the now infamous email requesting $500,000 so he could make a lifestyle choice, Darrell Hair was under increasing pressure to quit his position.

“An official in any sport requires the respect and backing of not only the players, boards but also the fans, otherwise his decisions will always be seen as dubious.

“Our petition has shown that in just a few days cricket fans have spoken and they don't want Hair to be an umpire and further bring the game into disrepute.

“The ICC and Hair may be involved in some secretive game of bluff and double bluff with each blaming the other for recent developments. This is of no consolation or concern to ordinary Cricket fans.

“The message from the fans to Hair is clear. There is a one-time non-negotiable offer to quit umpiring and hit the after-dinner speaking scene whilst he has a semblance of a reputation still left.”—Agencies