Azeem Rafiq wept when he addressed MPs about his racism. He has since apologized for using antisemitic slurs to send a series messages to another cricketer via Facebook 10 years ago.
Azeem Rafiq today begged British Jews to forgive him as he admitted he ‘f***ed up’ and ‘deserves the flak’ over anti-Semitic tropes sent in messages to a teammate – but the ex-cricketer insisted his words ‘do differ’ from the racism he suffered for years at Yorkshire.
Mr Rafiq Atif Sheikh was an Asian cricketer, playing for Derbyshire. They also made offensive remarks about him, accusing him of not paying his dinner bill, claiming he was a Jew.
Rafiq, then 19, wrote on Facebook: ‘Hahaha he is a Jew. The police are going after me again. Later, he added that ‘Probs go after my 2nds again.’ Only Jews do that sort of s**t.’
Yesterday he issued a humbling apology about the Facebook messages a decade ago, and today said sorry again but insisted the ‘circumstances do differ’ to when he was repeatedly called a ‘P*ki’ by his Yorkshire teammates.
Interview with Jewish Chronicle: He stated that “the circumstances are different.” I doubt I have ever been able to play with anyone Jewish. It wasn’t the same. However, I refuse to downplay it. People have hurt me. It’s my honest feeling that I shouldn’t be getting flak. I f***ed up.’
But he told the newspaper that his comments were not equivalent to the racist abuse he suffered, pointing out that he had red wine forced into his mouth when his Muslim faith prevented him from drinking booze.
Recovering from his tears, he said to MPs that racism had permeated the England dressing rooms. He claimed that Gary Ballance was using the name ‘Kevin,’ which he used as an offensive term for Asian and black players. Ballance denied the allegation. Rafiq said that Alex Hales, England’s batsman, allegedly called his black dog Kevin. Hales vigorously denied these claims
Rafiq stated to the JC that he was deeply sorry. While I do not recall any antisemitic comments being made, Rafiq said that he did. People will go back through my entire life and look for any mistakes I made. I admit I’ve made mistakes.’
The former Yorkshire spin bowler, 30, rocked the world of sport with allegations of racism in cricket at a damning parliamentary session on Tuesday.
Rafiq claimed that racism has destroyed his career. He also pointed fingers at several high-profile people. However, he is now forced to face his past mistakes after The Times exposed an exchange between him and Ateeq Javid in 2011.
Rafiq told MailOnline: “I spoke with Atif today, and I apologised for the things that I had said. He was extremely understanding. I said that I was deeply sorry for any offenses. Atif was available to speak on the telephone and accepted my apology. We have spoken to Atif and he has accepted my apology.
Some people have raised concerns that his antisemitic remarks were not the same as those made by Hitler.
Piers Morgan tweeted: Yorkshire CC’s handling of this scandal, as I said earlier this week, has been shameful’, adding: ‘Seeing a lot of people tortuously trying to defend/justify/excuse Azeem Rafiq’s anti-Semitism. STOP. It is unacceptable that he has raped. Hypocrisy is to think and suggest that something else would be acceptable.
Left: This exchange shows Rafiq (then 19) and Javid making offensive remarks in relation to an Asian cricketer they claimed was not paying his dinner bill due to him being a Jew. Right: Rafiq issued a Twitter apology for making offensive remarks about an Asian cricketer in 2011. He claimed that the dinner bill was not paid because ‘he’s a Jew’.
He also said that Alex Hales called his Dobermann black ‘Kevin’ because his friend Ballance used the name to describe black people. And he hit out at current England Test captain Joe Root, claiming the batsman was on the nights out when he was called a ‘P***’.
MailOnline can confirm that Javid, Rafiq, and Javid have made offensive remarks regarding cricketer Atif Shiikh
Rafiq from Yorkshire plays bowls in the NatWest T20 Blast Semi Final against Durham, Edgbaston 2016
Yesterday, Rafiq apologized for past comments and stated that he had deleted them. He also said that he was a “different person today”.
He said: ‘I was sent an image of this exchange from early 2011 today. The account is mine. There are no excuses. This exchange has made me ashamed and I have deleted it to avoid further offense.
‘I was just 19 when I did it. I wish and believe that I have grown up to be a completely different person. It is a very angry feeling and I regret it. I also sincerely apologize to everyone in the Jewish community who has been wronged by my behavior.
Later, he said: “At any point will I never try to defend the undefensible. To those whom I have wronged, I am deeply sorry. I’ll continue to admit and take responsibility for any other mistakes that I make.
Reacting to Rafiq’s anti-Semitic slurs, Board of Deputies of British Jews President Marie van der Zyl said: ‘Azeem Rafiq has suffered terribly at the hands of racists in cricket so he will well understand the hurt this exchange will cause to Jews who have supported him.
“His sincere apology seems genuine and there is no reason for us to doubt his sincerity.”
Claudia Mendoza was co-chief executive for the Jewish Leadership Council. She added that although it is obvious that Azeem Rafiq feels awkward, he took full responsibility, apologized, and has undoubtedly learned much about racism through his personal experiences.
This revelation follows MPs warning the England and Wales Cricket Board today to address institutional racism in the sport after Rafiq’s arrival.
In shocking testimony, Rafiq broke down in tears as he made racial discrimination claims against Tim Bresnan, Matthew Hoggard, Alex Hales, Gary Ballance and David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd. The spin bowler turned racism whistleblower also claimed the word P*** was ‘used constantly’ during his time at Yorkshire CCC as he gave explosive testimony to MPs.
One shocking fact he shared was that he had red wine forced down his throat when he turned 15 years old. He is a practicing Muslim and was a member of his local soccer team. This happened before 2012, which he said ‘to fit in’.
Rafiq said that he was told by Yorkshire officials, along with other Asian players, to sit near the toilets and be called an ‘elephant washer’ when he joined. Ballance’s former teammate, he claimed was another target.
He also said that Alex Hales called his Dobermann black ‘Kevin’ because his friend Ballance used the name to describe black people. And he hit out at current England Test captain Joe Root, claiming the batsman was on the nights out when he was called a ‘P***’.
Rafiq was overcome with emotion as he shared his story about how coaches treated him following a 2017 miscarriage.
His emotional testimony had to be brought to an abrupt halt by DCMS chair Julian Knight and adjourned for five minutes so the cricketer could recompose himself.
According to the spin bowler, “hundreds and even thousands” of other cricketers may now be able to make racism claims against them. He claimed that it will open up the floodgates for victims of abuse to fight back.
Rafiq gave a heartbreaking 90 minute testimony before a Commons Committee. He recalled the ‘inhumane’ treatment he received at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and accused other senior players of racism bullying.
The 30-year-old said the word ‘P***’ was ‘used constantly’ in his time on the Yorkshire first team – and that racism continues to be rife in county teams across the country.
The hearing was stopped at one point when Rafiq, who had just lost his unborn baby, broke down and described his experience. A senior official instead of supporting him, ‘ripped the shreds off’ Rafiq.
After a earlier year report found that he had been the victim of racism harassment and bullying, the cricketer gave evidence to MPs. However, the club stated they wouldn’t discipline any player. Other players dismissed the remarks as “banter”.
Rafiq, in a highly emotional account, stated that he lost his job to racism following a complaint regarding bullying. However, he hoped that speaking out would change things.
He described how, at the age of 15 and practicing Muslim, he was “pinned down” and red wine was forced down his throat from a senior cricket player.
Rafiq also criticized other people who are not involved in racism for failing to recognize the harmful culture and do nothing to eradicate it.
Rafiq described Joe Root, England’s test captain and as “a good man” – who was there when racist slurs occurred.
The problems started in Yorkshire CCC’s hierarchy, when he was called a troublemaker after complaining about teammate bullying. He was treated by Martyn Moxion, cricket director of Yorkshire Cricket Council. This led to the death of his unborn child.
He cried and said, “My first day back since losing Martyn Moxon was literally getting me into a room. It ripped all the pieces off of me.” He spoke to me like this in all my club experience and it was amazing.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is hosting an international meeting at The Oval, where decision makers are ready for testing.
Rafiq’s claims against Yorkshire set off a major controversy. However, the current racism crisis is now being handled by the governing body.
Together with representatives from the 21 non first class cricket boards and the MCC the chairs of 18 counties of premier cricket will meet. There is also some concern about the slow and hands-off way the scandal is being dealt.
The attendance is likely to bring down Tom Harrison, the chief executive at the ECB, who was also criticised for his inexplicable appearance before members of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s select committee following Rafiq.
Harrison is hoping to restore his confidence as the ECB’s interim chair. This comes after Ian Watmore’s departure.
Westminster is still considering cricket governance. Nigel Huddleston the sports minister raised the possibility that an independent regulator could be established if the current ECB regime fails to tackle racism.
Rafiq spoke out to DCMS select committee, who interviewed Harrison. He said that cricket is fast approaching and we may well follow the same path.
“We have had open and honest conversations over the past few weeks with the ECB, as well as other cricket stakeholders. They have assured me that they are serious about the matter and will take action.
Tom Harrison promises me that he will act with all of his might here. He is aware that he must act fast. They will be judged on the basis of their actions and not their words. If they do not act in a timely manner, we will intervene.
Rafiq mentioned Lloyd in his testimony to the MPs. This was an example of the “denials, briefings and cover-ups”, he claimed, that took place following his public racism complaint against Yorkshire.
He explained that high-profile media personalities had been messaging others in the media supporting me, saying things such as, The club houses and Asian members don’t get into them’, ‘Getting Asian subs is like getting blood from stone’.
“And then personally that guy is talking to me about my personal drinking and going out with friends. David Lloyd was the one who said that.
Rafiq told DCMS that he also joined the dressing room with his heroes Matthew Hoggard and Michael Vaughan during 2005 Ashes. That was the best moment in my life.
“Pretty early, me and other people of Asian descent…there were comments such a “you’ll seat over there next to the toilets”, or “elephant washers”.
‘The word P*** was used constantly. The leaders seemed to have an understanding of the institution and never stamped it out.
Rafiq stated that he wanted to be a cricketer and represent England. He also said that he wants to fulfill his family’s dreams.
He said, “In my first spell I don’t think I really realized what it was.” It seems that I was in denial.
His deteriorating mental state led him to take medication and he left Yorkshire for the very first time in 2014.
He felt at first settled when he came back under coach Jason Gillespie and captain Alex Lees.
Rafiq stated that Jason left the house in 2016, and the room felt like the temperatures had been raised. Andrew Gale came in as the coach and Gary Ballance was as the captain.
‘For first time, I saw it as what it was. I felt alone and sometimes humiliated. Constant use of the word ‘P***’.’
David Lloyd (sky cricket pundit) has since apologized for being named by Azeem Rasiq in cricket’s racist storm.
Tom Harrison, the chief executive officer of England and Wales Cricket Board, (ECB), was one of those who were called before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee. Right: Roger Hutton, former chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club was quizzed by MPs about his role in Yorkshire just before he resigned.
Rafiq claims that Alex Hales, England’s international soccer star, used the name Kevin to describe his dog. The pair were pictured in an Instagram photo on Hales’ Instagram. It was a term Ballance invented for black people.
Gary Ballance (pictured playing for England against South Africa in July 2017) is among the cricket stars accused of being racist between 2008 and 2018 by Rafiq
Rafiq stated that Ballance had race abused him during a pre-season tour in 2017.
“We were at a certain place, and Gary Ballance walks up to Gary and asks him why he is talking to him.
‘You know he’s a P***’. It happened right in front of the team. The coaching staff was also present.
Ballance, an ex-england batter, admitted to using a “racial slur” towards Rafiq during a long statement this month. He apologised but said it was part of their friendship.
Rafiq stated to the committee that this was an inaccurate portrayal of their relationship. He said it had gone downhill since 2013 and became toxic in 2017.
Asking Mr Knight to comment on the term “Kevin”, he stated that it was offensively racist and had reached the top of the game.
Gary said that Kevin was “a thing Gary used to call anyone of colour very derogatory.” He stated that the England dressing room knew about it.
“Anyone who has ever met Gary will know that he used this phrase to describe people of color.
Rafiq also alleged former England batter Alex Hales was involved, saying: ‘Gary and Alex Hales got really close to each other when they played for England together.
Although I was absent from that dressing area, what I know is that Alex went on and named his black dog Kevin. It is disgusting what a joke that was.
Rafiq is Muslim and also describes his first alcohol-related experience at age 15. He said, “I was pinned down at my local Cricket Club and red wine was poured down my throat. Literally down my throat.”
“The player was a Yorkshire-Hampshire footballer. I didn’t drink alcohol before 2012, and I was compelled to start drinking again.
“I was not perfect. There were things that I did to realize my goals. This is not a racist thing that I am deeply sorry for.
“When I spoke I ought to have been listened too. Listening to the victim is a major problem in this game. It is not possible to say “yes, but” about racism. There are no two sides’ of racism.
Rafiq stated that the problem in Yorkshire could be replicated “up and down the nation.”
Rafiq was asked about how others such as Maurice Chambers (ex-Northamptonshire and Essex player) had spoken out. He said that he saw it as progress because people feel like they have the ability to come forward. They will be heard, not discredited, smeared, and briefed.
He described England Cricket Board’s diversity initiatives as ‘box-ticking exercises’ and ‘tokenism. He stated that David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, an ex-england coach, had spoken about Rafiq’s drinking.
“He had been an England coach, commentator, and it was disturbing to me, because Sky is supposed to be doing amazing work in bringing racism front. Within a week, I received that and thought, “God, there’s some closet racists, and I must do something about it.”
Rafiq said: “I believe with four to five months remaining on my contract I was encouraged by my employer to sign confidentiality forms and accept a small amount of money. I declined.
“At the time, it would have cost me a lot. My wife seemed to be struggling. It was obvious that I was suffering.
Rafiq hit out at England Test captain Joe Root (left), claiming he was on those nights out where he was called a ‘P***’. He later stated Root was a decent man. He said that Hales, an international star and actor who is also named Kevin for him after Ballance. Ballance uses the term to refer to black people.
Rafiq made other claims about Tim Bresnan (left), claiming that he was one of’six’ or seven players who made bullying complaints against him in 2017. Rafiq stated that Matthew Hoggard, right, had offered to apologise after watching his interview on Yorkshire.
Michael Vaughan (1982, England) was a former captain. He has since categorically refuted the allegations made against Rafiq. In a statement, he said that the accusations were ‘extremely distressing’.
“It wasn’t possible for me mentally to put myself through this kind of trauma. It was true that I had to leave the country. I was sent to Pakistan. It was a great experience.
Rafiq was asked how he managed to find the courage to speak up. He replied: “I did an interview on my new venture. I got asked a question. Then I became emotional. Everything was said.
“Even though I was at that moment, I believed that some of these people might still have some humanity. It was not true. But they thought that he hadn’t spoken about Yorkshire.
It was about “discrediting, discrediting, discrediting”. How I did it, I don’t know. The last fourteen months have been very difficult. Rafiq’s emotional state caused the committee to break.
Rafiq stated that it had been ‘hurtful” for him to see Root’s England captain expressing his dismay. Root claimed that he has never seen any racist behavior at Yorkshire.
“Rooty’s a great man. Rafiq claimed that he did not use racist language.
‘I found it hurtful because Rooty was Gary (Ballance)’s housemate and had been involved in a lot of the socialising where I was called a ‘P***’.
It shows just how common it is that even good men like Joe don’t see things the way they are. Joe won’t be affected by it, but I do remember that every day.