Essex fined £100,000 for systemic racism over nine-year period

Essex have been fined £100,000 - £50,000 of which is suspended for two years - after admitting systemic and longstanding racism and discrimination within the club.

The club have also been cautioned and reprimanded by the Cricket Regulator (CR), but not deducted any points.

The sanctions follow Essex admitting a charge in breach of Directive 3.3, "in relation to the systemic use of racist and/or discriminatory language and/or conduct between 2001 and 2010."

A report by an independent panel of the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) felt the length of time covered by the charge and the systemic use of racist and discriminatory language suggested a culture that was "embedded" across most levels of the club.

"This conduct continued without meaningful challenge from either Essex's management or other senior playing members of the club even when it was brought to their attention," the CDC panel added.

Essex have until October 2 to appeal against the sanctions.

'Normalised and tolerated behaviour'

In mitigation, the panel accepted Essex's early admission of the charge and the punishments handed to individuals arising from a separate independent review commissioned by the club and conducted by Katharine Newton KC.

Newton's review ran in parallel to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)'s own investigation and was prompted after former players Jahid Ahmed, Maurice Chambers and Zoheb Sharif came forward in November 2021 with allegations of racism.

In her report, Newton noted: "The culture of the club's dressing room was such that it was entirely normalised and tolerated behaviour to refer to players' ethnic, racial and religious origins under the misguided belief it was acceptable 'banter' despite the fact those references were racist and discriminatory."

Newton also said the club's response was "poor" and following her review, a number of senior officials at the club were sanctioned.

How does Essex's case compare with Yorkshire's?

Essex's case will draw many parallels with that of Yorkshire's.

In July 2023, Yorkshire were deducted 48 points in the County Championship, four points in the T20 Blast and fined £400,000 - £300,000 suspended for two years.

It followed an investigation into allegations of racism at the club most notably made public by former player Azeem Rafiq over a prolonged period between 2004 and 2021.

Yorkshire admitted four amended charges of breaching Directive 3.3, the same as Essex, which concerns conduct, acts or omissions which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket or any cricketer or group of cricketers into disrepute.

In its written reasons, the CR panel said it was unable to apply sporting sanctions such as points deductions against Essex because the offences took place before 2020, when such powers were introduced into its regulations.

The panel also noted Essex's admission of the charges at the earliest opportunity and noted they had been both cooperative and responsive throughout the investigation.

Essex were also praised by the CDC for their work to improve equality, diversity and inclusion over recent years.

Furthermore, it stated each case ultimately depends on its own facts and circumstances.

"Yorkshire's case cannot and should not be regarded as some form of precedent straitjacket for this panel," it said.

"Indeed upon a proper analysis of the facts of each case it would be wrong to do so."

'Deeply disturbing' evidence

Dave Lewis, the Cricket Regulator's interim director, called the racism experienced at Essex over a period of many years "abhorrent".

"The evidence of those subjected to abuse was deeply disturbing," he said.

"They have shown real bravery in speaking out, and I hope this prosecution will help ensure no one suffers again as they did, and racism of this kind is never normalised.

"The sanctions announced against the club come at the end of a long and complex investigation by the Cricket Regulator and follow the club's own investigation which resulted in it sanctioning several individuals."

ECB chief executive Richard Gould said: "Racism has no place in our sport. I'm appalled by what those who experienced racism at Essex have been through, and the way this behaviour could become normalised. It is vital as a sport we listen and learn from their experiences, and ensure no one suffers like that again.

"I welcome the action Essex has taken in recent years to address these issues and become a more inclusive club, and the commitment it has shown to make further progress.

'Rectifying past mistakes'

In Essex's own response to the sanctions, the club highlighted how there had been "some fundamental errors in the past", but chairman Anu Mohindru stressed those "don't reflect the Essex of today".

"The publishing of the independent report is an important step in trying to rectify the past mistakes, but most importantly creating a brighter future for everyone associated with our club," Mohindru said.

"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.

"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 club will handle these promptly but with fairness to the individuals involved."