Up to 12 ex-Yorkshire staff to ‘face charges’ from ECB over Rafiq racism scandal

The ECB launched an investigation last November over Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of racism during his time as a player at Yorkshire and several people are now reportedly facing disciplinary charges

Up to 12 former Yorkshire employees are reportedly due to face disciplinary charges from the ECB following an investigation sparked by Azeem Rafiq ‘s allegations of racism.

According to reports from the Daily Mail and the Times, the ECB’s investigation is nearing an end and several former players and coaches are set to be charged with breaching their anti-discrimination code. The investigation is reported to have ‘found evidence of racist behaviour during their time at the county’.

Gary Ballance, who remains under contract with Yorkshire, admitted to using a racist language towards Rafiq during their time as teammates and he is thought to be among those will be charged. Former Yorkshire players Tim Bresnan and Matthew Hoggard are also reportedly set to be charged.

During Rafiq’s appearance in front of the DCMS select committee, he alleged that Bresnan had “frequently made racist comments”. He also stated he was part of a group of “six or seven” players to file a bullying complaint against Bresnan.

Bresnan has categorically denied making racist comments. Rafiq also said that Hoggard had reached out to him and apologised for his behaviour.

“The morning after my Sky interview, I took a call from Matthew Hoggard,” Rafiq told the committee. He said, ‘I didn’t realise. I’m really sorry the way some of my comments made you feel. I just wanted to apologise for what I said’.

“I said, ‘Wow, thank you’. All I ever wanted was an apology.” Former Yorkshire captain and head coach Andrew Gale is also said to be facing charges, having been accused of using racist language and showing Rafiq a lack of sympathy after his son was stillborn.

The Times also report that former director of cricket Martyn Moxon is being investigated for ‘bullying and discrimination’ but is ‘not yet being charged’. The report also states that Michael Vaughan was investigated after Rafiq accused him of making a racially insensitive remark to a group of Asian players.

Rafiq’s account was backed up by former Yorkshire overseas player Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and current England star Adil Rashid. However, Vaughan has categorically and repeatedly denied the allegation and it is stated that the former England captain is ‘not thought to be facing a charge’.

The ECB did not wish to comment regarding the story when approached by Mirror Sport .