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Cricket Scotland failed on almost all tests of institutional racism, report finds | UK News


A damning review of Scottish cricket has found that its governing body has failed most of its tests for institutional racism.

Sky News revealed on Saturday that independent review has found the sport in Scotland to be institutionally racist.

Independent investigators have now released the details of their findings.

They found 448 indicators of institutional racism.

Of the 31 “tests” used to measure problems, Cricket Scotland – the game’s governing body – failed on the 29th and only partially met the required standard in the other two.

The report authors were told of a range of examples of racism experienced by participants across all cricket fields, leading to referrals to Police Scotland as hate criminals, as well as Scottish Cricket.

Sixty-eight personal concerns were referred for further investigation.

These include 31 allegations of racism against 15 different people, two clubs and a regional association.

The allegations include racial abuse, inappropriate language use, favoritism against white children from public schools, and a lack of transparency in the selection process for non-white players.

In some cases, multiple concerns have been raised against the same individual.

Investigators said the contributors had “clearly witnessed or experienced racial discrimination, discrimination, and persistent acts of aggression based on race in the role of coaches, referees or their players”.

Survey participants cited:

• Use of inappropriate language that can, in some cases, be racist but is seen as simply a “joke”
• Concerned that sleds are being used as an excuse to racially abuse opposing players
• Lack of understanding of the impact of language and behavior on individuals
• Inadequate system for reporting racism on and off the field
• In some cases, unwillingness to deal with incidents of discrimination
• Lack of diversity of players, coaches and referees in the game

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‘We are always treated differently’

Clubs lack ‘cultural sense’

A significant number spoke of people who had previously raised concerns and became victims as a result.

One contributor, quoted anonymously, said: “There’s too much camaraderie in Scottish Cricket to be able to keep things secret and this creates a lack of trust from people who want to report poop. racism and other discrimination.”

The report authors pointed to a lack of “cultural awareness” in some cricket clubs, with regard to language.

“Some clubs raised concerns about teams with the majority of Southeast Asian players speaking in their community languages ​​during matches,” the report said.

“The inference is that the player cheated in doing this and was only allowed to speak in English.”

The review was made after two Scottish cricketers, Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh complained about institutional racism, both of whom said the issue had affected their careers.

Their complaints follow a racist scandal surrounding the Yorkshire Cricket Club, where the former player Azeem Rafiq complained about racism there.

The investigators found that a lack of diversity plays out in the coaching workforce, leading to a lack of role models that can understand cultural differences but can also utilize this insight. to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Cricket - Holland v Scotland - Twenty20 International - The Brit Oval - 3/6/09 Scotland's Majid Haq Mandatory Credit: Action Picture / Paul Harding
Picture:
Majid Haq is Scotland’s all-time leading scorer. Photo: Action Images / Paul Harding

Scottish cricket placed in special measures

The review cited a lack of anti-racism training at Scottish Cricket, no consistent mechanism for dealing with incidents of racism, and a lack of diversity throughout the rating structure.

Scottish cricket has been placed under special measures until at least October 2023 and so is the Western Regional Cricket Union (WDCU), which organizes and promotes cricket on a large scale.

Its role in managing disciplinary matters has been suspended and assigned to an alternative organization. Investigators heard concerns regarding WDCU and concluded that they had little confidence in its ability to manage cases of racism fairly and transparently.

WDCU has reported a number of complaints related to racism. One volunteer, quoted anonymously in the report, said: “It is very difficult to work in West Scotland and not have to witness racism.”

The Scotland Cricket Board Resigns one day before the report results are published.

‘Wake-up word’ for Scottish sport

The review recommends that the new board diversity should have a minimum of 40% men and 40% women, with a minimum of 25% of the new board makeup coming from black, Southeast Asian, or multiple populations. ethnicity.

The assessment was conducted by Plan4Sport, an equal and diverse organization. It interacted with nearly 1000 people over a six-month period.

Louise Tideswell, its chief executive, said in publication: “Our position is clear: Scottish Cricket’s governance and leadership practices have been institutionally racist. I have seen the courage of so many people who wanted to share their stories, which has clearly impacted their lives.

“Those who love cricket and, despite being beaten many times, keep trying and improving, referees have committed many hours despite never being promoted, and players have seen or heard of racism and hostility but kept coming back to play.

“The fact that the organization’s leadership failed to see the problems and, in failing to do so, allowed a culture of intense racial aggression to develop. “

Read more from Sky News:
Rafiq calls for ‘totally wipe out’ Yorkshire leadership
England captain vows to change cricket’s dressing room culture

Stewart Harris, chief executive of SportScotland, the sport’s governing body north of the border, said: “We will keep all options on the table as we ask Scottish Cricket to take into account all recommendations. recommendations contained in this report.”

“Today should also act as a wake-up call to all Scottish sport. Racism is a social problem and it is no longer good enough simply not to be racist. Sport Scotland must now actively fight apartheid.”



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