Research reveals there can be a ‘positive’ aspect to some jokes but there needs to be more education to eradicate bullyingOf all the distressing stories to emerge from the racism scandal at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, one of the most shocking was an independent panel found the repeated use of the P-word against Azeem Rafiq was delivered “in the spirit of friendly banter”. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised. “It’s just banter,” has long been a get-out-of-jail-free card to excuse laddism, sexism and much else besides. Yet speak to anyone in sport, and they stress that it is also vital for bonding and team-building.The question is: when does banter cross the line into bullying? On the surface, it doesn’t sound that...
Racist behaviour does not occur in a vacuum, and the ultimate lesson here is how many of our structures are indictedThe allegations of systematic racism made against Yorkshire County Cricket Club by Azeem Rafiq first surfaced in August 2020. Rafiq gave a wide-ranging interview to the Wisden journalist Taha Hashim, ostensibly about his work providing free meals for key workers during the pandemic. But he also spoke about the racism he experienced at Yorkshire, including an “openly racist” captain, a dressing room in which racist comments were regarded as humorous, and a culture in which complaints about racist behaviour were ignored and turned against him.Yorkshire refused to comment. And you wonder, 15 months on, how they might reflect on that...
Shameful handling of racism allegations is latest example of club’s appalling track record at clearing up its own backyardWhat should you know about Yorkshire CCC, the club that has been roundly condemned by multiple MPs, including Sajid Javid? That it is a cricket club with a history of internecine squabbles, that it appears to have an appalling record of clearing up its own backyard, that its man‑management is legendary for its cack-handedness.That for years black and Asian cricketers were largely ignored and left to play in their own leagues because of the Yorkshire-born policy which the club held on to stubbornly until 1992. That for many young alienated cricketers in the county, there was more love for the Roses club...
The investigation panel may not have found sufficient evidence of racism at the club, but how else can the Azeem Rafiq saga be viewed?Yorkshire County Cricket Club are institutionally racist. There: that wasn’t so hard, was it? For years Yorkshire enabled, tolerated and normalised a dressing-room culture of racist discourse. They failed to create a welcoming environment for Muslims and other ethnic minorities. They continued and continue to employ staff who have made racist comments.When a former player raised serious allegations of longstanding racist behaviour three years ago, the club initially did nothing and then reportedly offered him a six-figure payout to keep quiet. Under investigation, they have chosen at every turn to prioritise their own reputation and their own...
What is taught in school now does nothing to reduce prejudice but the sport I love has the power to change perceptionsAs somebody who has played football since I was tiny, spent two decades in the game and been fortunate enough to become a manager, I would like to think I am an asset to the sport. Then I remember that I am one of the very few lucky people in my position. Imagine if I had felt obliged to step away and find another profession because I didn’t feel there was a pathway for me, for no other reason than the fact people had decided there was nothing I could contribute? I know so many black and minority ethnic...