Yorkshire County Cricket Club is in turmoil after Nike became the latest company to severe ties amid a toxic racism row engulfing the sport.
The US corporate giant confirmed to MailOnline it had dumped the side as kit supplier and said it ‘stands firmly against racism and discrimination of any kind’.
It joins a mass exodus of firms from Headingley including Tetley’s, David Lloyd Clubs, Emerald Group and Yorkshire Tea.
The move comes amid reports ECB chiefs are meeting to discuss the handling of allegations made by Azeem Rafiq about Gary Ballance.
Up to 12 players are accused of being embroiled in the racism and bullying claims at the club after the spinner said he was called a ‘P***’.
Some of the sport’s biggest names are set to be outed for their alleged behaviour towards the off-spinner between 2008 and 2018.
Journalist George Dobell, who did the initial interview with the complainant, said the huge number accused highlighted the wider problem.
Meanwhile Rafiq insisted people saw him cry ‘every time’ he was called a ‘P**i’ by Ballance.
Last night his former teammate came clean about using the slur but insisted they were ‘best mates’ enjoying ‘banter’ over drinks.
He also mentioned but refused to divulge questionable comments allegedly made by Rafiq towards him.
The batsman (pictured with wife Alex) issued a long and emotional statement this evening
The Yorkshire cricketer accused of calling Azeem Rafiq a ‘p*ki’ is believed to be former England star Gary Ballance
It comes after Rafiq (centre) insisted people saw him cry ‘every time’ he was called a ‘P**i’ by Gary Ballance (left)
The Nike spokesman said: ‘Nike will no longer be…
Source : dailymail
