The report by Katharine Newton KC found reference to players' ethnic, racial and religious origins was "entirely normalised and tolerated behaviour" within the dressing-room culture between the mid-1990s until around 2013, under the misguided belief that it was acceptable 'banter'
Friday 8 December 2023 18:29, UK
Several Essex players were subject to racist abuse and discriminatory treatment, an independent report has found.
Reference to players' ethnic, racial and religious origins was "entirely normalised and tolerated behaviour" within the dressing-room culture between the mid-1990s until around 2013, under the misguided belief that it was acceptable 'banter', according to a report by Katharine Newton KC released on Friday.
Newton was commissioned to carry out the report in 2021 after allegations of discrimination were made by former Essex players Jahid Ahmed, Maurice Chambers and Zoheb Sharif. Essex are now dealing with the process concerning any individuals where sanctions may be imposed.
"Those at the receiving end of this treatment were too scared to speak up for fear of damaging their prospects of selection and progression," Newton said in her report conclusions.
"In any event, there were no effective mechanisms for raising such concerns."
Her report also found a lack of understanding of the needs of Muslim players at Essex, and that the club's former chairman, John Faragher, used racist language during a board meeting in 2017 and that the club failed to properly investigate a complaint about the language used.
Farragher previous denied making the comment but a Cricket Discipline's Panel's written report into the incident last year stated that Essex had "nevertheless admitted to its use in answer to this charge".
Furthermore, the report found Faragher "interfered in the election process by using intimidation to try and dissuade a candidate from standing for election" to the club's general committee.
Essex said they acknowledged Newton's findings and are "committed to addressing past incidents of discrimination against former employees".
"All victims involved throughout the investigation have received an apology from the club," a statement from the club read.
"Their courageous actions to report incidents of discrimination during their time at Essex has been pivotal in getting to this stage."
Essex chair Anu Mohindru said: "It is evident from Ms Newton's findings that there have been some fundamental errors in the past, which don't 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.
"This extends to the fantastic community work being carried out across the region and we understand our responsibility to our local communities as the county club who represents them.
"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.
"I am incredibly sorry (the victims) had to endure those things. It's inexcusable. I would like to thank them for their bravery, it's incredibly appreciated.
"I have to reiterate that we are not the club that we were. We still have work to do. There are 15 recommendations and we believe we're at 80 per cent of those."
