CRICKET chiefs are to pay damages to a former player branded a “P***” — after finally accepting it was not “banter”.
Sponsors deserted Yorkshire County Cricket Club after details of its review into racist bullying leaked.
It concluded that no staff members would face disciplinary measures because of the context of “banter between friends”.
The findings sparked an outcry and led to a series of resignations, including chairman Roger Hutton. The club was also suspended from hosting international matches and other games worth up to £10million a year.
Azeem Rafiq, 30, who first made the allegations, said he was pushed to the brink of suicide by the racism he endured at the club.
Former England batsman Gary Ballance, 31, last week admitted using the racial slur towards his team-mate.
Rafiq has now settled his employment tribunal with the club, and new chairman, Lord Kamlesh Patel, has publicly apologised to him.
He said: “Azeem is a whistleblower and should be praised as such, he should never have been put through this.
“We’re sorry for what you and your family have experienced and the way in which we’ve handled this. I thank Azeem for his bravery in speaking out.
“Racism or discrimination in any form is not banter.”
Lord Patel is also commissioning an independent review of the county’s processes and procedures on diversity and inclusion.
In a statement, ex-spin bowler Rafiq called for more board resignations. He will appear before an MPs’ committee next week.
