Some sponsors of English countryside Yorkshire have ended their partnership with the club. This is due to an independent report of racism claims made by the former player Azeem Rafiq.
Yorkshire had said that the club would not take any disciplinary action against its employees, players, or executives following the report last month. According to the report, Rafiq had been a victim of racial harassment and bullying from 2008 to 2014 during his first spell at the county.
The Publishing companies, Emerald Group, and Yorkshire Tea said they had cut ties with Yorkshire on Wednesday.
Rafiq, who is a Pakistani descent player and a former captain of the England Under-19s, said Yorkshire made him feel like an outsider last year. They also made him think of taking his own life.
Steps Taken By the Club
Yorkshire apologized to Rafiq after the report’s findings summary publication in September.
Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton and the other club’s senior management members have been summoned. They have an order to provide evidence and appear before a parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media and Sport panel.
The hearing will be on Nov 16, where Rafiq is set to give evidence. According to a British media report, the club’s board will have a meeting on Friday for emergency talks.
The Yorkshire batsman Gary Balance regrets using racist language towards Rafiq, who was his former teammate.
In his statement and according to what he told the independent inquiry, Balance said he accepts the allegation and regrets using the racial slur.
He continues to share his deep regrets for the language he used during his younger years.
Balance has played 23 tests for England. He described Rafiq as his best mate in cricket and a person whom they had great support for on the pitch.
Emerald Group said it will remove its brand association with the club and Headingley Stadium on Wednesday.
In their statement, the group said it cannot tolerate any form of racism or discriminatory behavior and the damaging effects it has.
Emerald Group stated that their intention remains to continue a financial commitment to the stadium, which is the home of Leeds Rhinos rugby. It believes the financial assistance supports the aims of diversification and inclusion in sport among various charitable community endeavors.
Hopes for a Better Future for the Community
Emerald hopes YCCC will listen and respond with necessary serious actions, to do away with racism and uphold the expected values for all. Unfortunately, Emerald will no longer sponsor Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
In a statement, Yorkshire Tea also said it will cut ties with the club with immediate effect. In addition, the local brewer Tetley’s, also said it will not renew its official beer sponsorship beyond the end of the current contractual agreement with the team.
According to British media reports, a few weeks ago another sponsor David Llyod Clubs has already put its relationship with the team on hold. The local transport company, First Leeds, is also looking for a meeting with county officials.