Essex Cricket Chief Executive, John Stephenson, has issued the following statement:
“I am extremely disappointed to hear of further historic racial allegations from a former player about two of his teammates and an ex-member of staff, none of whom are currently involved with the Club in any capacity.
“The allegations reported today, involving Essex and another Club, make distressing reading. Everything which has been reported will be taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly.
“After learning of the allegations last night, I instantly contacted the former player to offer the Club’s full support. He has shown immense bravery in coming forward and in speaking with us about the incidents he describes. I appreciate how difficult this must be for him.
“The Club will rigorously investigate all allegations while we have also referred this matter to the ECB. As the new Chief Executive of Essex Cricket, I am determined to listen to all allegations and to work to eliminate any behaviour which tarnishes the game I love.
“When I became Chief Executive, six weeks ago, I committed myself to upholding the Club’s multicultural and diverse values. Essex Cricket takes pride in working within ethnic diverse communities across the county and surrounding areas. No one at the Club will stand for any form of discrimination.
“The only way we are going to progress, not only in cricket, but in society in general, is if people who have suffered abuse or discrimination feel comfortable enough to speak out and share their experiences. I want to create an environment in which former players, staff members or anyone associated with the Club who has experienced any form of discrimination can come forward and confide in us, either in person or anonymously.”
Essex Cricket has set up a reporting channel for anyone who wishes to tell us about any prejudice they have experienced during their time with Essex. You can contact the Club in person or anonymously by emailing [email protected].
Alternatively, concerns can be raised anonymously through a secondary channel, by clicking here.
