The CDC has fined Essex County Cricket Club £100,000 after an inquiry into systemic racism and discrimination at the club. £50,000 of the fine is suspended for two years, dependent on no further breaches. The sanctions follow a damning report from Katherine Newton KC, published in December last year, that described racist abuse suffered by three former players over the period 2001-2010.
One of the victims hailed from South Asia and was humorously nicknamed “Bomber,” and a Black player was taunted with bananas. The ECB prosecuted Essex under Directive 3.3 for acting in a manner which could bring the game into disrepute. The club has also been penalized in this manner. Essex had been fined £50,000 in May 2022 after its former chairman, John Faragher, had made racist remarks in 2017.
The Nigel Popplewell-headed CDC panel has no right to inflict sporting sanctions such as points deductions. Essex did lose some points way back earlier in the season when it was decided that batter Feroz Khushi had an illegal bat. Essex is allowed until October 2 to appeal against the latest sanctions. It is abhorrent behaviour by Essex Cricket and reflects much of the worst aspects of racism.
ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould said: “Racism has no place in our sport. I’m appalled by what those who experienced racism at Essex have been through, and the way this behaviour could become normalised. It is vital that as a sport we listen and learn from their experiences, and ensure that no one suffers like that again.
“I welcome the action Essex has taken in recent years to address these issues and become a more inclusive club, and the commitment it has shown to make further progress.
“Over the past year, the whole game has responded positively to the action plan we set out in response to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, and we will shortly update on the progress which has been made. We recognise there is still significant work to be done, and are determined to tackle discrimination wherever it exists and break down barriers to ensure that cricket becomes the most inclusive team sport in England and Wales.”
Over Essex’s chair, Anu Mohindru KC said:
Essex County Cricket Club today received the sanctions handed down by the independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) following the Club’s admission to historic use of racist and discriminatory language and conduct.
“There is deep regret for what occurred in the past, but these events do not reflect the Essex Cricket of today. The Club have accepted the sanctions and remains committed to tackling all forms of discrimination, and is fully aligned with the ECB’s goal of making cricket the country’s most inclusive team sport.
“We have made significant progress in achieving these aims in the communities we represent through our excellent outreach work, as well as building a workplace that values and respects every individual. Essex Cricket will continue to move forward as the best open, inclusive, and diverse organisation we can possibly be.
“We remain fully committed to working towards positive and lasting change. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and we will continue to engage with all those affected, our community and stakeholders to ensure that the progress already made in recent years is upheld and further strengthened.”
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