Azeem Rafiq, a former Yorkshire player, recently spoke out about his fight against racism at his old club and stated that he will continue to combat bigotry.
Last week, he accused Michael Vaughan, the former England and Yorkshire captain, and a few others of uttering racist remarks about Asians. Pakistani pacer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan later backed up this claim.
Azeem Rafiq will now appear before a select committee next week to present his case. Before that, Rafiq appealed to other players who have been subjected to similar treatment to join him in this fight.
“I will continue to campaign against institutional racism and look forward to speaking at the select committee hearing next week. I urge others who have suffered to come forward. There is strength in numbers and I will be right behind you. This is a good start, but I want to reiterate my call for the change that must come next – and one that must happen quickly.” Azeem Rafiq said
“Mark Arthur, Martyn Moxon and many of those in the coaching staff have been part of the problem. They have consistently failed to take responsibility for what happened on their watch and must go. I urge them to do the right thing and resign to make way for those who will do what is needed for the club’s future.” He continued
Azeem Rafiq went on to add that he wants to change the Yorkshire club’s culture and remove racial discrimination. He also mentioned that his family has been going through a difficult time in the last week, and that he needs some time to ponder before the hearing.
Michael Vaughan
“I spoke out because I wanted to create change at the club. I brought a legal claim because the club refused to acknowledge the problem and create change.For the first time that I can remember, I have hope this might happen – but I will be watching and continue to campaign to ensure that it does.” Azeem Rafiq said
In a recent blog post, Michael Vaughan rejected the allegations. We’ll have to wait and watch how the hearing plays out.
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