Johannesburg: Australia's World Cup captain Ricky Ponting on Saturday described Shane Warne's suspension for using a banned drug as a wake-up call for athletes in all sports.

"Obviously he was very naive with it and I think it's a big wake-up call, not just for cricketers but for sportsman all around the world," Ponting said.

"You have to be very careful with the things you put in your mouth and Shane obviously has learned a very hard lesson.

"I think everyone feels very disappointed for Shane and we are all disappointed for him. Obviously it's been a very tough time for him over the last week and a half," Ponting said.

"I believe he'll appeal this thing and, hopefully, the suspension will be lessened."

Former Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy, here as a television commentator, said the last had not been heard of the affair.

"No one is happy about it, neither the judiciary, or the ACB or Warne," Healy said.

"The appeal will perhaps throw up some new evidence. It may lead to a lighter or heavier sentence. I would like to know how much of the banned substance was in his sample," he added.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
'Guilty' Warne slapped 12-month ban, to appeal penalty