- Essex Football Racism Report
- Normalised Discrimination Culture
- Ongoing Sanctions Procedures
An independent report has uncovered instances of racist abuse and discriminatory treatment towards several Essex footballers.
The report, published on Friday by Katharine Newton KC, reveals that the dressing room culture at Essex “completely normalised and tolerated behaviour” related to the ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds of players from the mid-1990s to around 2013. This behavior was mistakenly viewed as acceptable “banter.”
In response to discrimination allegations made by former Essex players Jahid Ahmed, Maurice Chambers, and Zoheb Sharif in 2021, Newton was appointed to conduct the investigation. Essex is currently in the process of addressing potential sanctions against those involved.
Fear of Reprisal Hindered Reporting
Newton wrote in her report’s conclusions, “Those who were subjected to this treatment were apprehensive enough not to speak out for fear of jeopardising their chances of advancement and selection. Regardless, there were no efficacious channels through which to express these apprehensions.”
Her investigation found that Essex lacked an understanding of the needs of Muslim athletes. Newton also determined that John Faragher, the club’s former chairman, used discriminatory language during a 2017 board meeting. Essex failed to conduct a proper investigation into a complaint about this language.
Faragher “interceded in the election process by using intimidation to dissuade a candidate from running for office,” according to the report to the club’s general committee.
Apology from Essex Club
Essex acknowledged Newton’s findings and stated they are “committed to addressing past incidents of discrimination against former employees.”
The club’s statement reads, “Throughout the investigation, the club has extended an apology to all victims. Their boldness in revealing incidents of discrimination that occurred during their time at Essex was critical in getting us here.
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Anu Mohindru, chair of the Essex Board of Education, said, “Ms. Newton’s findings make it clear that the organization has made some foundational mistakes in the past, which no longer represent the Essex of today. The club as a whole has made substantial strides. It is in establishing a work environment that respects and values every member, irrespective of background, identity, or beliefs.
“This extends to the outstanding community service being performed throughout the region. And as the county club that represents them, we recognise our obligation to our local communities. I met with the victims to apologise on their behalf and explain the board’s report-writing efforts.”
The club is presently addressing the procedure in accordance with the independent committee’s recommendations. This pertains to any individuals who may be subject to sanctions.
Investigation and Parallel ECB Probe
Newton mentioned in the summary report that the full report she submitted to Essex named the perpetrators of “a number” of complaints of racially discriminatory conduct. However, she noted that the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) is also investigating these individuals, and the club must determine if publishing the report could jeopardize the ongoing parallel investigation of the ECB.
Newton highlighted instances of discriminatory language. The club as a whole has made substantial strides. It is in establishing a work environment that respects and values every member, irrespective of background, identity, or beliefs. The term “curry muncher” was frequently used to refer to individuals of South Asian descent within the dressing room.
Newton declined to address Player 1’s allegation that his dismissal at Essex was due to Islamophobia.
She concluded, “I came to the conclusion that the pertinent decision-makers genuinely believed, without bias, that Player 1 lacked a realistic chance of making the First Team due to the existence of superior players possessing the same skill set.” However, she criticized the unprofessional and inappropriate manner in which some players were informed of their release, emphasizing the need for such news to be communicated in a formal setting rather than informally at the side of the field or outside the locker room.
