Former Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale says he will not engage in what he calls a “dirty” disciplinary process initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board over allegations of racism in the county.
The ECB announced earlier this month that Yorkshire and “several individuals” had been indicted following an investigation into allegations of racism by former Gail teammate Azim Rafik and how the allegations were handled by the county.
Gail was sacked from Yorkshire last year, but earlier this month won an unfair dismissal lawsuit against the club.
In declaring the charges, the ECB said the cricket disciplinary commission would consider the cases in September and October. Gail confirmed that he was accused of damaging the game’s reputation, but said he would not commit to the trial.
Gail said in a statement Wednesday: “As a starting point, let me say that I was very disappointed when Azim’s initial statements were brought to my attention.
“To avoid any doubt, I deny any allegation that Azim made to the YCCC and then through the ECB, assuming that I used racist language and harassed Azim. I was stunned at first, but now I am angry that he has made such accusations against me.
“This decision was not easy to make. I know that this makes it easier for the ECB to side with Azim and try to impose some form of sanction on me when it is not due. Let’s be honest, the ECB, by charging me without an interview, obviously wants to do whatever happens. The YCCC will no doubt applaud this as it seeks to avoid compensating employees who are unfairly fired.
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“I am not inclined to take part in a tainted process when the relations between the club, certain members of the media and Azim are as close as they are. I received personal abuse and sometimes we had a reason to leave home.
“I was unfairly fired and will allow the Employment Tribunal to determine what compensation I have. Even the maximum reward will not compensate me for the loss I have suffered and I will continue to suffer, but I will accept what has been awarded to me. I also accept that people who read this statement have the right to believe me or not, as they see fit. ”
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