Yorkshire Chairman Roger Hutton has resigned with immediate effect and “apologised unreservedly” for the club’s handling of Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of racism. He also criticised the ECB and the club’s own executives who he believes displayed a lack of “care and contrition”.
Hutton said he had contacted the ECB for support once he first became aware of Rafiq’s allegations last year but was “saddened” when the ECB did not get involved at that stage. “It is a matter of record that I have continually expressed my frustration at the ECB’s reluctance to act,” Hutton said in a statement.
Rafiq has made a number of allegations about his time at Yorkshire, including that he was subject to racist abuse, bullying and harassment. An independent report, commissioned by Yorkshire, found that Rafiq had been a victim of “racial harassment and bullying”. However, the county subsequently confirmed that they would be taking no disciplinary action against any of its players or staff.
Yorkshire Chairman Roger Hutton resigns. pic.twitter.com/zNmIWSOsP1
— The Pinch Hitter (@LePinchHitter) November 5, 2021
