Yorkshire chairman resigns in explosive statement amid Azeem Rafiq case

Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton has resigned just hours before an emergency board meeting, following the club’s response to the racism experienced by Azeem Rafiq

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Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton has resigned over the club’s response to the racism and discrimination experienced by former player Azeem Rafiq.

In an explosive statement, Hutton “apologised unreservedly” to Rafiq, 30, and said the club “should have recognised at the time the serious allegations of racism”.

He added that at Yorkshire he had “experienced a culture that refuses to accept change or challenge,” and also called on other board members to quit.

His resignation came just hours before an emergency board meeting on Friday at which Hutton, 61, was due to be put under severe pressure to leave his post.

It comes after an investigation found Rafiq was a victim of “racial harassment and bullying” – but the club said they would take no disciplinary action.

It prompted a stinging backlash, with health secretary Sajid Javid saying “heads should roll” – and on Thursday the club were suspended from hosting England international matches by the ECB.

A number of key sponsors, including Nike, have also cut ties with the county.

In Hutton’s statement, he took aim at club board members who he accused of failing to grasp the severity of the situation.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise unreservedly to Azeem,” he said.

“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.

“There has been a constant unwillingness from the executive members of the board and senior management at the club to apologise and to accept racism and to look forward.

“During my time as chairman, I take responsibility for failing to persuade them to take appropriate and timely action.

“This frustration has been shared by all of the non-executive members of the board, some of whom have also now resigned.”

Hutton, who will be questioned by MPs alongside senior Yorkshire officials and Rafiq on November 16, was also scathing about the ECB.

“I was saddened when they declined to help as I felt it was a matter of great importance for the game as a whole,” he continued.

“It is a matter of record that I have continually expressed my frustration at the ECB’s reluctance to act.”

Hutton, a lifelong Yorkshire fan, began the role in April 2020 and said he had never met Rafiq.

“It with great sadness to leave a club I was immensely proud to serve and have loved since watching my first game from the old County Stand at the age of seven,” he said.