By Kim Tae-jong

NC Dinos' pitcher Charlie Shirek has been ordered to pay 2 million won in fines and volunteer 40 hours of community service as punishment for swearing at an umpire during a game, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) said Monday.

The decision came as Shirek showered abuse on umpire Kim Jun-hee in the first inning of a game against the SK Wyverns in Munhak, Incheon, Sunday, as he strongly complained about Kim's calls on his pitches.

Despite repeated warnings, Shirek continued to swear in both Korean and English and was soon ordered to leave the pitcher's mound.

The KBO also issued a warning to Dinos' manager Kim Kyung-moon, who intentionally delayed the game for over 14 minutes after Shirek left, as Kim scrambled to find a new pitcher.



After the KBO's announcement, Shirek made an official apology for the incident during a news conference ahead of a game against the Wyverns on Monday.

Shirek's losing his temper came as a surprise, as he was known for being mild-mannered and even-kneeled.

It was also said that he has successfully adapted himself to the Korean league since he joined last year.

He became the first foreigner to pitch a no-hitter in the league, as he held the LG Twins hitless for nine innings on June 24. He is 9-5 with an earned-run average of 2.84, the second-lowest in the league.