Several ex-Essex players were victims of “racist abuse and discriminatory treatment” during their time at the club, a report has concluded.
An investigation was launched by the county in December 2021 following a series of allegations by Jahid Ahmed, Maurice Chambers and Zoheb Sharif.
No players have been named in the report by Katharine Newton KC.
Chairman Anu Mohindru said “fundamental errors” had been made in the past which did not reflect “the Essex of today”.
“Significant progress has been made across the club to build a workplace that values and respects every individual, regardless of their background, identity, and beliefs,” Mohindru added in a statement.
“I have personally met with the victims to apologise on behalf of the club and explain the work carried out by the board in producing the report.
“Following recommendations from the independent committee, the club is now dealing with the process concerning any individuals where sanctions may be imposed.”
The complaints related to a period from the mid 1990s to 2013 and the report said they reflected a dressing room culture which regarded ethnic, racial and religious comments as “banter”
“Those at the receiving end of this treatment were too scared to speak up for fear of damaging their prospects of selection and progression,” the report continues.
The investigation also found that former chairman John Faragher did use racist language during a 2017 board meeting.
Essex were fined £50,000 by the England and Wales Cricket Board last year after admitting two charges relating to that meeting – but although Faragher, who is also not named in the report, resigned the previous year, he denied using racist language.
The report makes 15 recommendations, which include:
- The introduction of compulsory EDI (Equality, diversity and inclusion) training for everyone employed by the club
- All allegations of discriminatory conduct must be investigated promptly, thorough and impartially
- Introduce fair recruitment and retention processes to ensure to ensure the award, extension and termination of contracts are free from bias or discrimination
- Monitor opportunities given to play in the first XI to ensure they are fair, merit based and free from bias
- Operate objective, fair and inclusive recruitment processes for all posts, including coaching roles
More to follow.
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