Essex avoid naming sanctioned individuals implicated in racism report

GEORGE DOBELL: While the club has now released a statement confirming "that sanctions have been imposed against the individuals implicated in Katharine Newton KC's independent review", it has declined to name those individuals or reveal the sanctions

Essex have declined to name any of those it has sanctioned in connection with historic allegations of racism at the club.

The club published a report, compiled by Katharine Newton KC, on December 8 which had been commissioned in response to allegations of racism at the club. The report concluded that non-white players were the victims of racial abuse and bullying and that their complaints were not taken seriously by club executives.

But while the club has now released a statement confirming "that sanctions have been imposed against the individuals implicated in Katharine Newton KC's independent review", it has declined to name those individuals or reveal the sanctions.

"Following the publication of Ms Newton's report on 08 December 2023, the Club commissioned an independent committee who recommended disciplinary measures," their statements reads.

"While the individuals are not named to align with the anonymised report, Essex CCC takes allegations of racism extremely seriously and the measures are a further commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming club for everyone.

^{Essex had promised to announce sanctions by the end of last month (Getty Images)}

"Essex CCC have shared the measures with the England and Wales Cricket Board and reaffirms its pledge to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within cricket to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future."

Nearly all of those implicated - most of whom would not cooperate with Newton's investigation - are understood to have left the club. A couple remain, however, on both the playing and coaching staff.

While several of those who raised complaints, notably Jahid Ahmed and Maurice Chambers, welcomed Newton's report, they are unlikely to be impressed by the decision not to name those implicated or detail the sanctions imposed.

An ECB investigation is ongoing but it is unlikely many of those who complained will participate in their enquiry citing a lack of confidence in those involved.

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