Gary Ballance apologises for “unacceptable” and “racist” language towards Azeem Rafiq

Gary Ballance apologises for “unacceptable” and “racist” language towards Azeem Rafiq

Azeem Rafiq and Gary Ballance

Azeem Rafiq said that Gary Ballance with whom he played for Yorkshire has done cricket a great service by apologising in person for racist language. Rafiq has accused Ballace along with other cricketers for using racist abuse towards him.

Ballance has now issued an official statement after meeting Rafiq earlier this week. The 32-year-old admitted that he had used “unacceptable” and “racist” language.

“I have wanted to meet Azeem in person for quite some time, but I had to make sure I was in a good place when I did so. Azeem has been through similar mental health challenges and understands why this has taken me a little time,” Ballance said in a report in The Cricketer.

“I apologise unreservedly to Azeem for the words I used when we played together. I did use unacceptable – at times, racist – language. If I had realised how much this hurt Azeem, I would have stopped immediately. That’s why I wanted to meet him this week and be clear in person that I intended no malice. That’s not an excuse, I realise that the language I used was wrong,” he added.

He further added that there’s no place for racist behaviour in sports and he is determined to play his part in getting rid of racism from the game.

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“Gary must be applauded for his honesty”- Azeem Rafiq

Azeem Rafiq
Azeem Rafiq

Reacting to Garry Ballance, Azeem Rafiq has accepted his apologies and praised him for being “brave” in admitting the truth and that he has done great service with these words.

“Gary has been brave to admit the truth and I understand why the mental strain has made it difficult for him to make this apology any sooner. Gary must be applauded for his honesty and unreserved apology and must now be allowed to get on with his life,” Rafiq said.

“I would like to thank Gary. He has done cricket and the fight against racism a great service with these words. I would also like to thank those who have been in contact with me privately to apologise for what they witnessed,” he further added.

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