Former cricketer Azeem Rafiq says Yorkshire "seemed to accept" racist abuse

He's giving evidence to MPs over allegations of racism against the county cricket club

Azeem Rafiq has appeared in front of MPs on the DCMS select committee
Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 16th Nov 2021
Last updated 16th Nov 2021

Azeem Rafiq fought back tears as he told MPs the P-word was "used constantly" during his two spells at Yorkshire County Cricket- and accused leadership of failing to challenge it.

Rafiq first alleged racial harassment and bullying against the county and accused them of institutional racism in September last year.

The club began an investigation soon after- and found he was victim of "racial harassment and bullying".

But it was heavily criticised after deciding not to take disciplinary action, with major sponsors pulling out of the club.

Rafiq told MPs on Tuesday: "Pretty early on at the club, I joined a dressing room full of my heroes, Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard, part of the 2005 Ashes team. And it was just the most surreal moment for me.

"Pretty early on, me and other people from an Asian background...there were comments such as 'you'll sit over there near the toilets', 'elephant washers'. The word P*** was used constantly. And there just seemed to be an acceptance in the institution from the leaders and no one ever stamped it out."

Senior figures from the England and Wales Cricket Board, and former Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton, are also due to give evidence.

Azeem Rafiq continued:

"I hope the report can be published, so not only the people who were perpetrators, but the people who excused this behaviour, can be held accountable."

The committee says they're not choosing to publish the report: "Frankly it's Yorkshire County Cricket Club's mess, they should be the one publishing the report and explaining themselves."

Former chair, Roger Hutton is now giving evidence to MP's.

He says:

"I would have liked to remove Mark Arthur and Martyn Moxon...as a consequence of not understanding the gravity of the situation...I also think the head of HR should be removed."

More to follow.

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