YORKSHIRE’S ENTIRE COACHING STAFF DEPARTED IN THE WAKE OF A RACISM SCANDAL

Sat 04 December 2021:

In the latest fallout from a damaging racism controversy, Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon and head coach Andrew Gale have departed the cricket club, along with the entire coaching staff.

“We can confirm that Martyn Moxon, director of cricket, and Andrew Gale, first XI coach, have left the club today in addition to all members of the coaching team,” a Yorkshire statement said on Friday.

Six members of the backroom medical team provided by Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic were among the 16 departures, according to the club.

“Significant change is required at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and we are committed to taking whatever action is necessary to regain trust,” said new chairman Kamlesh Patel.

“The decisions announced today were difficult to make but are in the best interests of the club. Without making important changes to how we are run, we cannot move on from the past to become a culture which is progressive and inclusive.”

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However, according to sources in the British press on Friday, some Yorkshire players may leave the club in protest of the sackings, citing worries that personnel were fired unfairly.

Last month, former Yorkshire off-spinner Azeem Rafiq presented horrifying testimony to British legislators, claiming that the abuse he endured at the club had terminated his career.

Rafiq had earlier demanded that Moxon and Gale resign, stating that the club couldn’t progress unless they departed Headingley Cricket Ground.

Since the story broke, Moxon, a 61-year-old former Yorkshire and England opener, had been signed off work owing to a stress-related illness, while Gale, 38, the club’s former captain, had been suspended pending a disciplinary inquiry over a prior tweet.

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Their departures follow those of club chairman Roger Hutton and chief executive Mark Arthur, who resigned following widespread condemnation of Yorkshire over their treatment of Rafiq.

Moxon and Gale were heavily criticised at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee hearing in London.

Rafiq, 30, a Pakistani national, was the subject of “racial abuse and bullying,” according to an independent inquiry, but Yorkshire apologized but stated no disciplinary action will be taken against any employees.

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Yorkshire — one of England’s most successful and historic clubs – suffered a rapid and catastrophic backlash, with sponsors pulling out and the club losing important international match hosting rights.

Other players have made subsequent charges of racism, prompting further inquiries at Yorkshire and other teams as the problem grows.

Last week, English cricket’s chief administrator announced an anti-racism action plan, saying that the sport had been hit by an “earthquake.”

(with agency)

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