England all-rounder Moeen Ali said he was not surprised by the allegations of racism made by Azeem Rafiq against Yorkshire Cricket Club but hopes the issue will lead to change in the sport.
Rafiq, who is of Pakistani descent and a former captain of the England U19s, said in September 2020 he had received racist abuse and was made to feel like an outsider at Yorkshire.
The 30-year-old also said he had contemplated suicide.
England's cricket board last week suspended Yorkshire from hosting international or major matches over their handling of Rafiq's allegations, while former chairman Roger Hutton resigned was replaced by Kamlesh Patel.
"I wouldn't say I'm surprised but there's probably more stories out there that people haven't heard of," Moeen said.
"The fact it's come out is great because, going forward, people (will) have to think about what they can or can't say in terms of discriminating against people and knowing what people feel and go through.
"What Azeem has done, he is not doing it for any personal gain, I think he wants change and that's what he's pushing for."
After a nearly year-long inquiry into the allegations, Yorkshire issued a statement in September acknowledging Rafiq had been racially abused, but the following month the club said nobody would face any disciplinary action.
Rafiq and senior Yorkshire executives have been called to give evidence before a parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) panel on November 16.
Patel has apologised to Rafiq and promised "seismic change".
"Azeem is a whistleblower and should be praised as such. Hhe should never have been put through this," Patel told reporters.
"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. Let me be clear from the outset, racism or discrimination in any form is not banter."
Patel said that anyone believing that the expression was banter would be shown the door.
Admitting he had not read the whole of the report, Patel said what he had seen made him feel "uncomfortable."
"It makes me feel the process wasn't as well completed as it should have been," he said. - Reuters
Moeen hopes Yorkshire racism row will lead to change
Image: STU FORSTER / GETTY IMAGES
England all-rounder Moeen Ali said he was not surprised by the allegations of racism made by Azeem Rafiq against Yorkshire Cricket Club but hopes the issue will lead to change in the sport.
Rafiq, who is of Pakistani descent and a former captain of the England U19s, said in September 2020 he had received racist abuse and was made to feel like an outsider at Yorkshire.
The 30-year-old also said he had contemplated suicide.
England's cricket board last week suspended Yorkshire from hosting international or major matches over their handling of Rafiq's allegations, while former chairman Roger Hutton resigned was replaced by Kamlesh Patel.
"I wouldn't say I'm surprised but there's probably more stories out there that people haven't heard of," Moeen said.
"The fact it's come out is great because, going forward, people (will) have to think about what they can or can't say in terms of discriminating against people and knowing what people feel and go through.
"What Azeem has done, he is not doing it for any personal gain, I think he wants change and that's what he's pushing for."
After a nearly year-long inquiry into the allegations, Yorkshire issued a statement in September acknowledging Rafiq had been racially abused, but the following month the club said nobody would face any disciplinary action.
Rafiq and senior Yorkshire executives have been called to give evidence before a parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) panel on November 16.
Patel has apologised to Rafiq and promised "seismic change".
"Azeem is a whistleblower and should be praised as such. Hhe should never have been put through this," Patel told reporters.
"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. Let me be clear from the outset, racism or discrimination in any form is not banter."
Patel said that anyone believing that the expression was banter would be shown the door.
Admitting he had not read the whole of the report, Patel said what he had seen made him feel "uncomfortable."
"It makes me feel the process wasn't as well completed as it should have been," he said. - Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Latest Videos
Most Read
Soccer
Sport
Sport
Soccer
Cricket