AUSSIE batsman Matthew Hayden has been reprimanded for describing India's Harbhajan Singh as an “obnoxious little weed” in a radio interview.Cricket Australia commissioner Ron Beazley issued the ticking off after the Test star was charged with breaching CA's code of conduct which prohibits players from the "public denigration of other players against whom they have or will play'.

AUSSIE batsman Matthew Hayden has been reprimanded for describing India's Harbhajan Singh as an “obnoxious little weed” in a radio interview.

Cricket Australia commissioner Ron Beazley issued the ticking off after the Test star was charged with breaching CA's code of conduct which prohibits players from the "public denigration of other players against whom they have or will play'.

Relations between India and Australia have been strained following the allegations of racial abuse against spinner Harbhajan which overshadowed last month's second Test in Sydney.

Speaking on a Brisbane radio station, the giant Queensland opener said: "It's been a bit of a long battle with Harbhajan. The first time I ever met him he was the same little obnoxious weed that he is now.

"His record speaks for itself in cricket. There is a certain line that you can kind of go to and then you know where you push it and he just pushes it all the time.

"That's why he has been charged more than anyone that's ever played in the history of cricket.'

Hayden revealed after the hearing that he is now keen to put the incident behind him.

"I maintain my innocence,' the Australia opener said.

"My intentions were never to denigrate cricket or anyone but the umpire has made his decision and in the spirit of our own code of behaviour and the great game of cricket I respect and accept the decision.”