Andrew Gale: Ex-Yorkshire captain “will not engage” with ECB disciplinary process over racism claims | Cricket News

The former Yorkshire captain has released a statement outlining he will not take part in the ECB disciplinary process; Gale was captain when Azeem Rafiq played for Yorkshire and alleged suffering racist abuse

Andrew Gale has referred to the ECB investigation as a ‘witch-hunt’

Former Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale says he will not engage with the disciplinary process instigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board over allegations of racism at the county.

The ECB announced earlier this month that Yorkshire and “a number of individuals” had been charged following an investigation into allegations of racism made by Gale’s former team-mate Azeem Rafiq, and how those allegations were handled by the county.

Gale was sacked by Yorkshire last year but earlier this month won an unfair claim against the club.

The ECB said when announcing the charges that the Cricket Discipline Committee would hear the cases in September and October. Gale has confirmed he has been charged with bringing the game into disrepute, but has indicated he will not engage with the process.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Headingley hosted its first international since the racism scandal that engulfed Yorkshire CCC against New Zealand. Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton called the events a lesson in how not to manage a crisis, and warned it is not over yet

Gale said in a statement released to the PA news agency on Wednesday: “As a starting point, let me say that I was very disappointed when Azeem’s original allegations were first brought to my attention.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, I deny each and every allegation that Azeem raised with YCCC and then via the ECB suggesting that I have used racist language and bullied Azeem. I was originally stunned but I am now angry that he has raised such allegations against me.”

Gale added: “I will always be unhappy with how my career ended, but I refuse to have my life defined by unsubstantiated allegations by an embittered former colleague and by a YCCC/ECB witch-hunt.

“Similarly, I refuse to act or be perceived as a perpetual victim despite the fact my treatment from the club was abhorrent.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The ECB have charged ‘a number of individuals’ in relation to allegations of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, without naming who those people are. Yorkshire have also been charged with breaching anti-racism rules

“On this basis, and bearing in mind my income from cricket ceased on December 3, 2021, I do not intend to spend my limited savings in paying my legal team to represent me at the ECB hearing.

“The ECB governs an industry from which I have been ousted and which has turned its back on me. I will not be attending any hearing or acknowledging the outcome.”

Both the ECB and Rafiq’s representatives have declined to comment when contacted by Sky Sports News.

In his evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee last year, Rafiq alleged Gale had discriminated against him and bullied him over an extended period.

Gale, who described Rafiq as a “complex character”, added: “This decision has not been an easy one to make. I know that it makes it very easy for the ECB to side with Azeem and look to impose some form of sanction on me when none is due.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Yorkshire Cricket Club are looking to rebuild after former player Azeem Rafiq accused the club of years of racism. Sky Sports News’ Rob Jones looks at the challenges facing the county

“Let’s be frank, the ECB, by charging me without interview, are clearly looking to do that whatever happens. YCCC will no doubt applaud that as it looks to avoid compensating the staff it unfairly dismissed.

“I am not willing to engage in a tainted process when the relationship between the club, certain members of the media and Azeem is as close as it is.

“I have received personal abuse and we have had reason to leave our home on occasions.

“I was unfairly dismissed, and I will allow the Employment Tribunal to determine what compensation I am entitled to.

“Even a maximum award will not compensate me for the loss I have suffered and will continue to suffer, but I will accept what is awarded to me. I also accept that people who read this statement are entitled to believe me or not as they see fit.”