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Post by sponge on Oct 10, 2022 14:09:35 GMT
We need someone new, with no Sussex baggageWe tried that with Gillespie. Look where it got us! The most successful Sussex Coach in living memory, Mark Robinson, was a former player. Wicked, we all expected more from Gillespie; and Andrew was applauded for being able to get him in. Alas it failed; but that shouldn't put us off. New non Sussex blood needed as Head Coach.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Oct 15, 2022 11:26:27 GMT
Yorkshire Racism Fiasco Collapses in to a Cesspit of Recrimination and Humiliation for County Cricket ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Recriminations towards Azeem Rafiq mount as former team-mates and officials now accuse him of anti-semitism, homophobia and fat-shaming kids says the Daily Mail in “an explosive exclusive” after speaking with those once close to the Pakistani spin bowler. We already knew about his anti-semite tweets and lewd texts to a 15 year-old girl, but these latest accusations now include homophobia and fat-shaming children. The Sportmail claims, for example, Rafiq branded an old Yorkshire team-mate a 'Jew' while playing in the county’s 2nd XI between 2007 and 2012; bullied youngsters at Barnsley CC when running a 2015 coaching session by making some children take their tops off and calling them ‘fat b*****s’; and abused an opposition batter by calling him a ‘f****t’ in a Yorkshire Premier League game in 2009 and failed to apologise when confronted about the incident on social media last year. This mud-slinging is a predictable outcome of the hurt and upset Rafiq has caused to those close to Yorkshire CCC. The surprise is that the other side of the story has taken so long to materialise in the mainstream media. The problem being, a majority push for extreme woke politics and therefore immediately sided with Rafiq. If these claims are true then hypocrisy knows no bounds in this tragic and lamentable story. So sad that Rafiq is saying for his family’s safety, he is looking to move abroad, while referring to the latest accusations as "a never-ending, co-ordinated campaign of lies”. If you are interested in learning about these most recent accusations and who has made them, please read the story below. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11313567/Azeem-Rafiq-accused-anti-Semitism-homophobia-fat-shaming-kids-explosive-claims.html
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Oct 15, 2022 11:56:02 GMT
The story above is moving along at a rapid pace. Since the Sportsmail's revelations, the ECB has come forward and said the Board is set to investigate these allegations which could lead to the former Yorkshire spinner being put on a misconduct charge with a potential fine of £2,000. Several of the players who came forward in the paper's exclusive are understood to be prepared to provide witness statements to the governing body. It turns out Rafiq was also reprimanded by the ECB earlier this week for using anti-Semitic language after offensive social media posts emerged last November in which he joked that former Derbyshire player Atif Sheikh was reluctant to spend money because 'he is a Jew'. Therefore, this is a second Rafiq charge in a week. Do not be surprised if there'll be more. Meanwhile, the woke left-wing Guardian takes a completely different angle where instead, Rafiq, it states, is to be provided with extra security at the ECB disciplinary hearing next week, presumably suggesting that those making the accusations are nothing but thugs, Nazis, racists and far right-wing extremists ready for a violent confrontation. There’s a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone. (Sylvester Stallone)
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Post by gmdf on Oct 15, 2022 12:44:41 GMT
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Post by enoughisenough on Oct 15, 2022 15:34:40 GMT
In his season-end review of Sussex in the new issue of The Cricketer, Bruce Talbot refers to the derision on this message board and social media that greeted the club's ludicrously timed offer of 5, 10 and 15 year memberships and also remarks that the current 1,600 membership is "the lowest number in living memory". He goes on to say "Chief executive Rob Andrew and director of cricket Keith Greenfield have long been in the sights of a growing number of discontented supporters, frustrated by the lack of progress on the pitch.....there is clearly something awry with planning and recruitment when a staggering 36 players were used across the three competitions. If Filby listens to disgruntled members, Salisbury might not be the only person marching out of Hove this winter."
Well, I am sure that the Chairman must be very aware of "the growing number of discontented supporters" - the question is: Will he take the necessary action to give marching orders to those in the club hierarchy who are impeding its progress? (apologies if I'm coming over all Matt Prior, but that is the nub of the matter and Prior is not wrong on this).
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Post by ashingtonmartlet on Oct 15, 2022 18:35:51 GMT
That’s great to hear, I had an inkling he wasn’t going to hold back.
Have you got a link Chris? I’ve loaded up my account!
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Oct 19, 2022 11:39:02 GMT
Is the Yorkshire Racism Case on the Brink of Collapse? ____________________________________________________________________________www.thecricketer.com/Topics/cricket-racism-crisis/intimidation_abuse_forces_azeem_rafiq_family_from_their_homes.htmlRe: The link above for George Dobell’s recent article on Azeem Rafiq, many do not realise it was he, the journalist, who befriended Rafiq and persuaded him to come forward with his racist claims. Please listen to this Game Time podcast, where Dobell is interviewed by ‘Indian Express’ cricket writer, Sriram Veera. Listen to Podcastwww.youtube.com/watch?v=xUyxGL-OwFQ&t=2sThe danger of turning cricket in to politics, is that it can come back and bite you on the a*se. I hope this doesn’t happen to Dobell or The Cricketer Magazine as reputation is important. What is certain is more Rafiq revelations may well emerge. The amusing part is the ECB, who are the most vulnerable to losing its reputation, is investigating itself via cross-examining those who have recently come forward with the “revelations”. No-one is denying that racism exists in cricket. Of course it does, just as it exists in all sports and in all walks of life. And everything must be done to stamp this out, but through a sensible, rational and common sense way. The problem with the Rafiq case is that so much of the evidence is based on hearsay or historical tweets, some from over 10 years ago. Is this sufficient evidence to destroy the livelihoods of over 20 Yorkshire staff members, for example, who had to suffer the slings and arrows of the media, causing great distress to themselves and their families? Not forgetting Michael Vaughan who is known to have spent huge sums on legal counsel in addition to suffering a loss of earnings after being dropped by the BBC last year when Rafiq claimed that in 2009, Vaughan told a group of non-white players: “There are too many of you lot, we need to do something about it.” From the get-go, the former England Captain and now cricket pundit has resolutely denied the charge, but still had to venture to the woke re-education camp on the orders of BT Sport, to pardon his alleged sins. Of course, we need to see the evidence and facts from the recent Rafiq accusers to form an opinion, but they may be as much hearsay as the evidence the Pakistani offered to the initial hearings. Even so, the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC), to date, has found five individuals guilty of racist conduct including Andrew Gale, Danni Wyatt, Jack Brooks, and yep, you’ve guessed it, Azeem Rafiq! Now the dust is settling over the hurt and even trauma perpetrated on the many accused, we see that Rafiq is just as guilty as those he accuses. Jack Brooks Guilty of Breaking the ECB Anti-Discrimination CodeA reprimand has been imposed on each of the five current and former cricketers, with no further action taken. Each offender admits to breaching ECB Directives 3.3 which states: "No such person may conduct themself in a manner or do any act or omission 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." Wyatt, Jones and Brooks were also found to have broken Directives 3.4: "Each Participant is bound by and must comply with the ECB Anti-Discrimination Code." For journalists like Dobell, he finds himself in a corner. To save his reputation not only must he go all out to protect the reprimanded Rafiq from these “never-ending, co-ordinated campaign of lies”, but now transform the Pakistani former spin bowler in to “the victim”, where those who accuse him are little more than “racists and liars.” Where else can the woke left-wing go now? Victimhood has always been its default position. Since the revelations first appeared in Sportsmail, Dobell is doubling down with a series of online Cricketer Magazine articles blaming everyone from the media, governing body, the union, the county clubs to the general institutions of power, “finding reasons not to investigate and punish those who have transgressed.” Adding, “The game has faced a huge test in recent months and it has failed to rise to it.” The only person he seems not to blame is himself, for gambling on the innocence and integrity of Rafiq. www.thecricketer.com/Topics/opinion/george_dobell_if_cricket_really_is_trying_to_root_out_racism_it_is_failing.htmlDobell ends his latest post with an extraordinary blustering final paragraph. Having already transformed Rafiq in to the victim, he writes, “So here we are. With a victim being blamed and other whistleblowers being silenced. This cannot be an acceptable solution. It is a sad and shameful day for cricket and Britain. We have to do better.” The best thing for the reprimanded Azeem Rafiq is to leave this country with his family and start a new life, well away from the rancour and distress he has caused Yorkshire and English cricket.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Oct 23, 2022 10:46:50 GMT
A week ago, enoughisenough alluded to the November The Cricketer Magazine publication, where a review of each county's 2022 season is published. As the poster states the Sussex CCC article is written by our very own Bruce Talbot. Here it is below in photographic form separated by two pages. As many readers know Talbot is the media doyen of covering this club. He has been writing about Sussex for over 30 years and has seen and been a part of the ups and downs experienced. Like with all long-term supporters, it must pain Bruce to see the steady decline since Coach Mark Robinson left. This led to a rare critical outburst after that highly humiliating T20 defeat against Gloucestershire in June. The point being, Talbot is usually very reserved about criticising Sussex. Therefore, this review is tame to what it could be. For diplomacy is important if you remain seeking employment from the club. Even so, he makes a fair assessment of the season offering a balanced criticism ending with "If Filby listens to disgruntled members, Salisbury might not be the only person marching out of Hove this winter." Unfortunately, our Chairman may neither have the desire or the courage to carry this out. Like Keith Greenfield and to a lesser extent Rob Andrew, Jon is very much a part of that long-term institution. Here are the pics:
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Oct 23, 2022 11:17:58 GMT
Another Sussex-related article in the present The Cricketer Magazine issue appears under the title Why I Love Cricket. In recent decades the specialist cricket media have gone all "tabloidy" believing that by interviewing those in the public eye who enjoy cricket, somehow gives the sport a certain gravitas, even a hip-cool "joie de vivre". The latest famous ego to be soothed is Jamie Theakston whose fame is somewhat passe, yet remains a name that people still remember. While a pupil at both Hurstpierpoint and Lancing College, he became a fair cricketing all-rounder and after leaving school joined his local village side, Ditchling CC. He says his cricket career peaked in February 2013, when his hutzpah inspired him to lead his village to play against Afghanistan in Kabul. The first English team to do so. There are various mentions of former Sussex players and matches as well. The Cricketer Magazine's editor and Sussex supporter, Huw Turbervill, interviews Theakston. I daren't offer another photographic ensemble as Huw may feel a little miffed, hoping that supporters might go out and buy the magazine.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 1, 2022 15:14:39 GMT
Here we go again. Let's hope the authorities don't make the same balls-up i.e Azeem Rafiq. This could end up with the same hearsay claims and historical tweets, as before, with little actual hard evidence. I am sure the media will have a field day... again. Cricket Scotland Investigating 43 Racism Claims After Review
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-63460714
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 3, 2022 13:47:31 GMT
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 8, 2022 15:48:14 GMT
Yorkshire Racism Latest: Former Chairman Decries the ECB, “I simply do not have confidence in the ECB, its governance or its agenda…”Remember former Chairman Roger Hutton? The scapegoat for the racism scandal at Yorkshire CCC. It was either Hutton, Roger Smith or Colin Graves to be the fall guy and Hutton came out third best. No surprise, therefore, that with the impending Cricket Disciplinary Commission proceedings that aim to be held in public, if Azeem Rafiq gets his way, Hutton is now airing his grievances. In a letter to Yorkshire, which has been seen by the BBC, Hutton said he was "pleased to provide the club with all information of relevance”. However, he added, "After careful consideration, I will not be taking part in the Yorkshire statement or any other aspects of the panel. I simply do not have confidence in the ECB, its governance or its agenda and who notably escape all scrutiny themselves.” He goes on, "Its own conduct is not included within the scope of inquiry - this underlines the clearly unfair and biased ECB inquiry and serves only to reinforce the reluctance of cricket to take seriously racism in the game.” Roger HuttonDuring various articles about the Yorkshire racism scandal published on WickedCricket, it has been pointed out several times, that the ECB has come away stinking of manure. Egged on by the Government’s DCMS Committee Chair, Julian Knight, alongside an hysterical mainstream media, the Board acted like a panic-stricken yahoo, forcing and even blackmailing Yorkshire to take drastic action in “ridding the club of its racist scourge”. This act has done untold damage to Yorkshire as well as to English cricket, leaving the ECB humiliated alongside causing deep resentment amongst the accused cricketers and staff as well as others like Michael Vaughan. Hutton was also critical of the ECB last year when giving evidence to a parliamentary committee, claiming they could have done more to help the county look into Rafiq's allegations. Hutton said the ECB's statement that it had "repeatedly offered to help" through the investigation "couldn't be further from the truth”. The ECB said it had to act independently of any club investigations because of its role as regulator across the game. Meanwhile, whether a sign of guilt or coincidence, the ECB, points out the Cricketer Magazine, is having a clear out of its 12-strong Board. At present, it is advertising for five non-executive roles. In total, at least seven or over half of its members including Tom Harrison will have changed within a few months and follows the recent appointments of Richard Thompson (Chair) and Richard Gould (CEO). There are hopes this new recruitment and an array of new faces will deflect the mounting criticism and anger felt towards the Board. Politics is also playing an integral role given that both Thompson and Gould, were once the ECB's most vociferous critics. Lucy Pearson, who is the only former international cricketer on the Board, is among those who have indicated they don't want to see re-election. So, too, has Baroness Valerie Amos. Richard GouldOthers to leave include Jim Wood who was originally appointed as the representative of the recreational game and played an important role in the formation of the Hundred, has reached the end of his term limit having served since 2014. Barry O'Brien, who acted as interim chair of the ECB until poor health intervened, is also stepping down to become a senior advisor. Clare Connor is currently on the Board in her capacity as interim Chief Executive. She will be replaced when the new CEO begins in the new year. Richard ThompsonThe non-executive role requires a commitment of just 26 days a year for three years, with the potential for a further three. The remuneration package is understood to be worth around a tidy sum of £30,000, for less than 3 months work.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 16, 2022 8:29:09 GMT
Is this just another example of "woke extremism" or respect for the Muslim community? How do Rashid and Ali feel being left out of the very foundation to sporting celebration after such a major victory. What did Mushy do at Sussex?
As some suggest why not use alcohol-free fizz. 99% of it gets wasted, so no-one is missing out.
As expected, social media is divided.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 19, 2022 14:28:21 GMT
The present farcical nature of the Yorkshire racism scandal continues to mount as news broke this week that the disciplinary proceedings faced by Yorkshire and seven individuals, penned in for November 28th, has now been delayed until "sometime next year".
The reason: It was decided to hold such hearings in private, but because Azeem Rafiq wanted them to be made public, those accused: Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan, Gary Ballance, ex-Scotland international John Blain, and former Yorkshire coaches Andrew Gale and Richard Pyrah will be appealing, as the agreement from the beginning was for the hearings to be private.
Therefore, because the ECB has again supported Rafiq's wishes, even though he has been reprimanded himself for racial comments, there will be a series of appeals.
The ECB stated, "Appeals have been filed by a number of the respondents and they now need to be heard."
Question: Presumably, the accused will need to employ legal counsel which means yet more money paid out by them. If they win, who pays for the legal costs - the ECB?
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Nov 19, 2022 14:40:44 GMT
Jon Lewis Named as England Women's Head CoachYou know when something awry has occurred at Sussex CCC when two former coaches go on to greater things leading to the accolade of being appointed England Women's Head Coach. First Mark Robinson and now Jon Lewis. We should be delighted for both of them, but losing the two has seen a downturn for the club 's fortunes, unable to replace the quality of both. Since, the team now languishes at 17th in the Championship. Lewis beat competition from namesake Jon Lewis, the former Durham coach and Australian Ashley Noffke. Meanwhile, Mark Robinson will be the speaker at the Arundel Castle CC Members Christmas Lunch on Friday, December 2nd.
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