Warwickshire have opened an investigation into the allegations made by Rafiq in his DCMS testimony and witness statement
Tim Bresnan has denied he racially abuse Azeem Rafiq during the pair's spell at Yorkshire but has accepted his role in bullying the former spinner.
Rafiq levelled a number of accusations at the ex-England allrounder during his DCMS testimony and his witness statement submitted as part of his employment tribunal case against the Headingley club.
The allegations included Bresnan being part of a "double-act" with head coach Andrew Gale, using racist language and belittling him in front of teammates.
Brenan is understood to have initially apologised to Rafiq before continuing the pattern of behaviour. The allegations refer to Bresnan's spell as vice-captain, a role he took on from 2017 before his departure to Warwickshire in 2020.
"Tim frequently made racist comments and was unduly harsh towards me compared to white British players, which became so unbearable that I made a formal complaint against him in 2017," said Rafiq.
— Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan) November 16, 2021
A statement released via Bresnan's Twitter page read: "I have been made aware of the bullying claims made against me and have listened to Azeem Rafiq's account of his time at Yorkshire CCC today with great distress, as I'm sure everyone will have done.
"For any part, I played in contributing to Azeem Rafiq's experience of feeling bullied at Yorkshire, I apologise unreservedly. Following the publication of Azeem's witness statement from the employment tribunal, which I saw for the first time this afternoon, I must though categorically deny his accusation that I 'frequently made racist comments'. This is absolutely not true."
Current club Warwickshire have pledged to fully investigate the claims, despite them taking place while Bresnan was at Yorkshire, and have promised to speak directly to Rafiq.
“This is the first time Warwickshire CCC has seen this statement, and we are seriously concerned to learn of Azeem’s direct allegations against Tim Bresnan," a statement from the county champions said.
"As a result, Warwickshire CCC will seek to talk to Azeem at the earliest opportunity so that we can fully understand the detail of these allegations.
Bresnan and Andrew Gale are accused of being a "double-act"
"We will then talk to Tim to get his perspective. While he is devastated to learn of these newly published allegations, Tim has already told us that he will fully co-operate with this process.
"This is a delicate matter, as it involves allegations about Tim’s behaviour while at another club.
"However, as we have said before, racism or bullying will not be tolerated here at Warwickshire, and we will not shirk from investigating these matters in full and taking action if necessary.
"Warwickshire CCC must reflect the communities that we serve at every level, with Edgbaston a safe and welcoming place for all."
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