New Yorkshire coach Ryan Sidebottom apologises for ‘poor choice of words’ over Azeem Rafiq racism scandal

New Yorkshire coach Ryan Sidebottom and former participant Azeem Rafiq (Footage: Sky Sports activities/Getty)

New Yorkshire coach and former England bowler Ryan Sidebottom has apologised for utilizing ‘a poor alternative of phrases’ in response to the racism scandal on the membership.

Ex-Yorkshire and England star Sidebottom joined Yorkshire’s teaching employees on an interim foundation final week to work underneath new director of cricket Darren Gough.

There was widespread modifications at Headingley following Azeem Rafiq’s racism allegations, which he first raised in August 2020 and mentioned earlier than a Digital, Tradition, Media and Sport choose committee in November.

The revelations led to the resignations of chairman Roger Hutton and chief govt Mark Arthur, whereas 16 members of employees – together with first-team coach Andrew Gale – had been sacked.

Sidebottom addressed the scandal in an interview with Sky Sports activities on Monday however attracted criticism after saying ‘let’s try to overlook about it’.

‘It’s been powerful viewing, powerful listening, seeing social media. It’s been very troublesome for many causes for lots of people,’ he stated.

‘Let’s try to overlook about it. There’s no room for racism in any stroll of life and hopefully now we are able to transfer ahead, kind issues out, do the correct factor and get Yorkshire again firing on all cylinders.

Rafiq was the sufferer of racial abuse throughout his spell at Yorkshire (Image: AFP)

‘But it surely’s been a troublesome couple of months hasn’t it for Yorkshire and everybody on the membership.’

Responding to Sidebottom’s feedback, Rafiq stated on social media: ‘Let’s undoubtedly not simply “overlook it”. Study from it and make issues higher. Want it was that straightforward simply to overlook it and fake nothing occurred.’

Sidebottom has since supplied an apology, saying: ‘I’m actually sorry for any offence brought about earlier by my phrases.

‘We must always always remember, we should study. I by no means meant to say overlook. My alternative of phrases had been improper, and an sincere mistake. Right here’s what I meant.

‘I disagree wholeheartedly with discrimination and absolutely assist all investigations and actions surrounding any racial abuse at Yorkshire CCC.

Rafiq in motion for Yorkshire in 2017 (Image: Getty)

‘In my interview with Sky Sports activities Information I used the phrase “overlook”. This isn't what I meant.

‘I didn’t imply that the state of affairs needs to be forgotten about, quite the opposite, it must not ever be forgotten. It was a poor alternative of phrases.

‘It's essential that the membership, and sport as an entire, learns and adapts to create a very inclusive setting for all, in any respect ranges.

‘I apologise for any offence brought about. I'm now centered on supporting the enjoying group at Yorkshire CCC on the pitch.’

In November, the ECB suspended Yorkshire from internet hosting England matches till the membership has ‘clearly demonstrated that it might meet the requirements anticipated’.

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