Ben Stokes apologises for abusing spectator during England-South Africa match

In a video clip, which was not aired live but shown later, Stokes was heard saying, "Come say that to me outside the ground, you f****** four-eyed c***."

According to media reports, a middle-aged man had called Stokes "ginger c***" and likening him to pop star Ed Sheeran.

While Stokes was on his way to pavilion after getting dismissed for 2, the all-rounder had hit back at the man.

Apologising for his behaviour and the language he used, Stokes issued a statement on Twitter which reads, "I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on the live broadcast today after my dismissal. I should not have reacted in that way. As I was leaving the playing area, I was subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd.

I admit that my reaction was unprofessional, and I sincerely apologise for the language. I used, especially to the many young fans watching the live telecast around the world...."

Stokes, who is often referred to as the "bud guy" of England cricket, was earlier caught in the midst of innumerable controversies.

In some of those past instances, he was arrested for causing "bodily harm" at a Bristol night club, "obstructing the police" in Durham in 2011, having a spat with Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli at a match where he was caught swearing at Indian cricketers after getting dismissed.

(Image Credit: ICC Twitter)