KENT wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien has received a one-match Intercontinental Cup ban after being found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct.

Match referee David Jukes found O’Brien guilty of using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, team official or spectator during Ireland's cup match against Scotland in Aberdeen last month.

O’Brien expressed his dissatisfaction over the pitch conditions to Mannofield groundsman Ken McCurdie, after heavy overnight rain got under the covers and prevented a restart on day three of the match.

Mr Jukes said: "Heavy rain ruined a fascinating match and was a cause of frustration for everyone, but that was no excuse for O’Brien’s outburst."

The 25-year-old now looks likely to miss Ireland’s next Intercontinental Cup match in the United Arab Emirates in February.