Melbourne, Feb 29 Australian sporting greats have come down heavily at Cricket Australia officials, describing them as a bunch of cowards for reprimanding opener Matthew Hayden who just called "a spade a spade".

Former Test cricketer Jeff Thomson said the CA had been "politically correct" in officially reprimanding Hayden while legendary rugby player Tommy Raudonikis called its officials as "dead-set sooks".

"Every time someone says something, some official pulls them in. I am sick of political correctness. Someone asked Hayden what he thought of Harbhajan and he gave his view. Aren't you allowed to give an opinion any more? It's bulls..T," Thomson was quoted as saying by the 'Daily Telegraph.

Echoing Thomsons' sentiments, Raudonikis ridiculed the reprimand to Hayden and said the player had just called 'a spade a spade'.

"They are so weak. They are dead-set sooks. To see Hayden in trouble for what he said is ridiculous. Aussies are known for our toughness, and for calling a spade a spade, and there is nothing wrong with that," he said.

The Australian Cricketers' Association also supported Hayden, wondering how could be charged guilty for giving his personal opinion when asked. (Agencies)