Yorkshire County Cricket Club chairman resigns amid deepening racism row

Published 08:49 5 Nov 2021 GMT

Updated 09:27 5 Nov 2021 GMT

Danny Jones

Yorkshire County Cricket Club chairman resigns amid deepening racism row

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Roger Hutton has resigned ahead of an emergency meeting to discuss the club's response to racist treatment of former player Azeem Rafiq

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club chairman Roger Hutton has resigned this morning following the investigation surrounding reports of racism towards former player Azeem Rafiq. Rafiq, a former White Rose player, made 43 allegations of racism regarding his time as a player at Yorkshire. An independent investigation upheld seven of his claims, concluding he was a victim of "racial harassment and bullying". The club was banned from hosting England matches following the accusations, with the ECB stating their handling of the issue was "wholly unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game". According to ESPNcricinfo, at least one Yorkshire player admitted to using the racial slur "P***" when talking to Rafiq.

Yorkshire CCC issued an apology to Rafiq in August 2021, acknowledging that he had been the "the victim of inappropriate behaviour" but refused to take any disciplinary action against its employees, players or executives.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid weighed in on the situation declaring, "‘P***’ is not banter" and insisting that "heads should roll" at the historic cricket club. Hutton has released a lengthy statement both apologising and clarifying his role during the time Rafiq was a player. https://twitter.com/danroan/status/1456532119061155841?s=20 He says: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise unreservedly to Azeem. The club should have recognised at the time the serious allegations of racism. I am sorry that we could not persuade executive members of the board to recognise the gravity of the situation and show care and contrition. He goes on to say, "when I was made aware of Azeem Rafiq's allegations, I immediately reached out to the ECB to ask for their help and intervention to support a robust inquiry. I was saddened when they declined to help as I felt it was a matter of great importance for the game as a whole."