The resignation comes after criticism of Yorkshire’s handling of Azeem Rafiq’s racism case; an emergency meeting was called to discuss the club’s response, amid the aftermath that has seen various sponsors cut ties; more resignations could follow
Yorkshire President Roger Hutton Resigned Over Club Handling of Azeem Rafiq Racism Case
Yorkshire County Cricket Club President Roger Hutton resigned before an emergency meeting to discuss the club’s response to the racism experienced by former player Azeem Rafiq.
An investigation found that Rafiq was the victim of racial harassment and intimidation, but the club said it would not take any disciplinary action.
The ECB said it was “clear” that Yorkshire’s handling of the matter was “totally unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game.”
In response, Hutton, who joined the club’s board of directors in 2020, issued a statement confirming his decision to resign and suggested that senior officials in the Yorkshire executive were not taking Rafiq’s experiences seriously enough.
“I never met Azeem and I was not at the club during the period he was employed. However, I know that when someone makes claims as serious as yours, they must be investigated and changes must be made,” Hutton said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to fully apologize to Azeem. The club should have recognized at that time the serious accusations of racism.”
“I regret that we were unable to persuade the executive members of the board to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and to show care and contrition.
“I remain disappointed that legal restrictions, including an ongoing labor court, have prevented the investigation report from being released and I look forward to the time when everyone can see its recommendations. I hope it will be released as soon as possible.”
“I want to make it clear that when I learned of Azeem Rafiq’s allegations, I immediately contacted the ECB to ask for their help and intervention to support a robust investigation.
“It saddened me when they refused to help because I felt it was a matter of great importance to the game as a whole.”
Refuting the ECB’s claims that Yorkshire’s handling of the case fell far short of expected standards, Hutton even accused the national governing body of showing an unwillingness to act on the allegations.
He has also asked other Yorkshire board members to follow suit and resign.
“It is a matter of record that I have continually expressed my frustration at the ECB’s reluctance to act,” Hutton added.
“There has been a constant unwillingness on the part of the executive members of the board and the club’s top management to apologize, accept that there was racism and look forward.
“For much of my time at the club, I experienced a culture that refuses to accept changes or challenges.
“During my time as chairman, I take responsibility for not persuading you to take appropriate and timely action. This frustration has been shared by all non-executive members of the board, some of whom have also resigned.
“Now I call on the executive members of the board to resign, to make way for a new path for the club that I love so much.
“Of course, I will continue to cooperate fully with the ECB and the invitation to testify before the Select Committee of the House of Commons.
“The club has brilliant people and has done a lot to be proud of, particularly the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, and I want to see more grassroots education in the game to end racism once and for all.
“I look forward to the time when the Yorkshire County Cricket Club is once again a great club and I will always support those who share my love for the club and wish our fans and team the best.”
Rafiq, reacting to the news on Twitter, reiterated his claim that it was, and still is, an unwillingness on the part of Yorkshire to accept responsibility and apologize.
Rafiq’s tweet read: “There has been a constant lack of will on the part of the executive members of the board [Arthur and Moxon are the executive members of the board] and the club’s top management to apologize and accept racism and look forward. “
That point of view is shared by ESPNcricinfo correspondent George Dobell, who said Sky Sports News that Yorkshire did not do enough and is a “textbook case of institutional racism.”
