‘I don’t recall the incident’ – England star Joe Root insists he never witnessed racist behavior in Yorkshire

JOE ROOT insists he has never witnessed racist behavior in Yorkshire.

England captain Root has spoken out publicly for the first time since former team-mate Azeem Rafiq made a shocking statement about racism and bullying.

3

3

He also revealed that he has been in contact with Rafiq since his appearance before the DCMS committee and will see him after the Ashes tour.

Rafiq said it was “painful” and “strange” Root asserted in a statement on November 11 that he has no recollection such incidents – especially on nights out when Root’s one-time flatmate Gary Ballance abused Rafiq during their verbal jaunts.

Root highlighted an incident against the West Indies in 2019 when he called out fastball player Shannon Gabriel for an alleged homophobic comment.

Root insists: “I stand by what I said. I don’t recall those incidents. If they’re a supervisor on my part that’s an area we all have to learn from and I have to learn from.

“I still have to learn more to develop myself and I think everyone does.

“There have been other things that have happened on the cricket ground where I felt as if I had walked in and called things out. Take, for example, what happened in the West Indies a few years ago.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH 100 GAMES TO PLAY AND NO SETTINGS (Applicable Ts&C)

“We’re talking about racism on this topic but we’re looking to eliminate all forms of discrimination as much as we can.”

Root added: “Azeem and I have exchanged a few messages, really recently, and hopefully when we’re done with this tour we’ll have a chance to sit down and talk about the whole thing. situation.

“Along with speaking with Azeem, I mentioned in my statement that I would like to speak with Lord Patel (the new Yorkshire president) – and those conversations have already begun.

“It’s important that we continue to find ways to improve the sport.”

3