``I know that I have done a wrong thing but how long could have I tolerated the man abusing my religion, country and family members. Besides being a sportsman, I am also a human being,'' he said in a long distance call. ``How many people in the world would have accepted someone who abuses his country and religion,'' he questioned?

Inzamam, speaking for the first time on the ugly incident, said: ``I had not gone into the stand to have a fist-fight with him. I just went to ask him why he was abusing me. On the contrary, he attacked me with the megaphone and whatever I did later was purely to defend myself. How could have I allowed him to inflict physical harm on me.''

Inzamam said since he had been fielding inside the 30-yard circle, that spectator had been abusing him. He added that during the water break, he continued to use obscene language. ``Finally when I took the field at mid-wicket as the fielding restrictions had ended, he abused again.'' Inzamam alleged that the same spectator had used similar language on Saturday. ``He was not only abusing me, he also used foul language against Salim Malik, Mohammad Azharuddin and Ijaz Ahmad. He, I think, was a religious fanatic and that's why he also targeted Azhar.'' The forceful batsman said ICC Match Referee, Jackie Hendricks, admitted during the disciplinary committee hearing that he had been a victim of circumstances ``but he said I had also violated the ICC Code of Conduct and had to be fined. Hendricks sympathised with me but he was bound because the match had been stopped for 37 minutes.''

Inzamam said it was the first time he has been involved in any indiscipline. ``My career has been as clear as a crystal. I regret that I did something unbecoming of a sportsman and inside me, there is also a patriotism but a vulnerable soul.''