Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Cricket

Ex-England star Gary Ballance apologises to Azeem Rafiq for using ‘unacceptable and racist’ language while at Yorkshire

, Ex-England star Gary Ballance apologises to Azeem Rafiq for using ‘unacceptable and racist’ language while at Yorkshire

GARY BALLANCE has apologised to Azeem Rafiq for using “unacceptable and racist” language during their time together at Yorkshire.

Former England batsman Balance met his one-time best friend this week, and Rafiq has accepted the apology.

Gary Ballance has apologised to Azeem Rafiq for his ‘unacceptable and racist language’

Rafiq believes Ballance should be allowed to carry on with his life

Rafiq says Ballance, who has not played first-team cricket for Yorkshire this summer, should be allowed to rebuild his career with the county. 

Ballance remains suspended from playing for England.

Ballance said: “I have wanted to meet Azeem in person for quite some time but had to make sure I was in a good place when I did so.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“Azeem has been through similar mental-health challenges and understands why this has taken me a little time.

“I apologise unreservedly to Azeem for the words I used when we played together. I did use unacceptable – at times, racist – language.

“If I had realised how much this hurt Azeem, I would have stopped immediately. 

“That’s why I wanted to meet him this week and be clear in person that I intended no malice. 

“That’s not an excuse, I realise that the language I used was wrong.”

Rafiq responded: “I would like to thank Gary. He has done cricket and the fight against racism a great service with these words.

“Gary has been brave to admit the truth and I understand why the mental strain has made it difficult for him to make this apology any sooner. 

“Gary must be applauded for his honesty…and must now be allowed to get on with his life.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Ballance and Rafiq used to be best friends who regularly socialised together.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/cricket/moment-cricketing-legend-sir-ian-bothams-ambushed-by-masked-shooting-protesters/

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Zidane Eyeing Premier League Move Zinedine Zidane, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, is open to joining a...

Premier League

Watford Legend Opens Up Troy Deeney has disclosed that he turned down a move to Aston Villa due to a peculiar clause in their...

Premier League

Arsenal and Tottenham vying for Wolves Winger Arsenal and Tottenham are gearing up for a showdown in the race to secure the signature of...

Golf

Augusta National, the prestigious golf club that hosts the Masters tournament every April, is known for its beauty and exclusivity. However, behind the scenes...

Premier League

Pochettino Questions Southgate's Decision Mauricio Pochettino has subtly criticized Gareth Southgate after Ben Chilwell returned from England duty with a knee injury, casting doubt...

Premier League

Gary Neville's Opinion Manchester United legend Gary Neville has urged his former club to stick with Erik ten Hag this summer as he is...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement