Faced racial injustice in New Zealand: Deported ex-West Indies pacer

Former West Indies cricketer Franklyn Rose has said he was hospitalised after a violent attack, battled racial injustice and was wrongfully deported from New Zealand, where he visited for a coaching assignment about four years ago.

The former West Indies pacer says he is disappointed in the New Zealand immigration system which deported him to Jamaica after spending 38 days in prison, reports CMC.

Rose has recounted his experience in an interview via the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

"I need to let people know what really happened. I am disappointed in the New Zealand immigration system. I am very disappointed," Rose complained on Tuesday.

"I want people to understand my side of the story, to set the record straight."

Rose was originally granted a work visa when he was offered a position as coach for the University of Auckland Cricket club, but has not had a valid visa since 2012.

He says he was attacked, beaten and chopped by four white men who used racial slurs while attempting to steal his car.

"They beat me down. One (guy) missed my head and chopped me on the hand," said Rose, who was later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at hospital. He stayed three days before being released.

"The nurses kicked me out; (they) said they needed to care for other patients. After a day my friend had to take me back to the hospital. I was having some serious pains. The doctors told me I had a blood clot in my lungs and I had nerve damage in my hand."

Rose says he checked into a private hospital at a daily cost of $1,500. He was discharged a week later.

--IANS

sam/dg