Essex Cricket caught in the eye of racism storm
Two former players have now accused their teammates of using racist language during their time at the club
Last updated 16th Nov 2021
The England and Wales Cricket Board has said it is "appalled" by fresh racism claims made by former Essex player Maurice Chambers and has vowed to investigate the matter alongside the other allegations at the club.
Chambers described in an interview with The Cricketer how he was allegedly subjected to racist bullying for 10 years at the club, including having bananas thrown at him and frequently being subjected to racist jokes.
An ECB spokesperson said: "The ECB is appalled by the behaviour that Maurice Chambers has described, of which no person should ever have to endure. There is absolutely no room for racism in cricket.
"We are sorry that Maurice has only been able to feel comfortable to speak out after his playing career had ended and as a game we must ensure that can not prevail.
"We will be investigating this alongside the other allegations at Essex and applaud Maurice for his bravery in coming forward."
The new development follows allegations made over the weekend by former Essex batter Zoheb Sharif, who said he received racist abuse that included being called "bomber" by his team-mates after the September 11 attack. He
Jamaica-born Chambers described one alleged incident that happened at a house he was temporarily sharing with another, unnamed player following a team night out.
Chambers told The Cricketer: "We had a team night out in Chelmsford. The other player got pretty drunk. When I got home, he threw a banana down the stairs and said: 'Climb for it, you f***ing monkey.'"
Chambers said the player in question was told to apologise, but they continued to live in the same house.
On another occasion, Chambers recounted how a coach laughed when a senior player offered him a banana.
Chambers added: "It was humiliating. It was isolating. I never told anyone, but I would go home at the end of the day and cry."
Essex chief executive John Stephenson said in a statement on Monday: "I am extremely disappointed to hear of further historic racial allegations from a former player about two of his team-mates and an ex-member of staff, none of whom are currently involved with the club in any capacity.
"The allegations reported today, involving Essex and another club, make distressing reading. Everything which has been reported will be taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly.
"After learning of the allegations last night, I instantly contacted the former player to offer the club's full support.
"He has shown immense bravery in coming forward and in speaking with us about the incidents he describes. I appreciate how difficult this must be for him.
"The club will rigorously investigate all allegations while we have also referred this matter to the ECB."