Mooney lost his temper in Friday's defeat against Kenya

Ireland's John Mooney has received an official reprimand after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the current World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.

The all-rounder pleaded guilty to an offence after being reported for kicking the bails off during Friday's game against Kenya.

Mooney appeared to lose his temper after struggling with his bowling in the defeat by the Africans.

He had already been warned twice of his behaviour during the same game.

The incident was reported by on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Rod Tucker as well as third umpire Paul Baldwin.

A hearing was convened the day after the game by ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama and the Irishman pleaded guilty to the offence.

"It is natural for players to feel frustrated or annoyed at various stages during a match but they must always behave within the spirit of the game," said referee Mahanama

"Clearly, John overstepped the boundaries of acceptable behaviour during this match and despite twice being warned, he did not heed those warnings and the umpires were left with no choice but to report him.

"Having received this reprimand, John now needs to be very careful he does not incur a similar breach of the code over the coming year or the penalty could be more severe."

The hearing was attended by the match referee, the player, the three umpires, Irish captain William Porterfield and Ireland team manager Roy Torrens.

Mooney has no right of appeal.

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