Cricketer Azeem Rafiq was reduced to tears this afternoon as he spoke to a committee of MPs in Westminster about the racist experiences he had suffered whilst at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
Speaking to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, the former all-rounder, ex-England U-19s and Yorkshire captain said that racial slurs had been used "constantly" whilst he played for Yorkshire and that English cricket is "institutionally"
He also told the committee that the club's treatment of him following the still-born death of his son in 2017 had been "inhuman".
He said that during his time at Headingley the word p*** was used "constantly", leaving him feeling “humiliated” and “isolated”.
“Pretty early on, me and other people from an Asian background…there were comments such as ‘you’ll sit over there near the toilets’, ‘elephant washers’.
"The word P*** was used constantly. And there just seemed to be an acceptance in the institution from the leaders and no one ever stamped it out."
He also told MPs on the committee about how aged 15 and a practising Muslim, he was pinned down by a senior cricket player who poured wine into his mouth.
He said he did not drink again until 2012, at which point he started in order to "fit in" at Yorkshire - adding that he "wasn't perfect" and was "not proud" of some of the things he did whilst under the influence of alcohol.
This, however, holds "no relation" to the relation he was subjected to whilst on the Yorkshire team, he added.
Mr Rafiq first filed a complaint of racism against the club in September 2020, which led to the Yorkshire Cricket Club launching its own internal investigation.
This report, however, ultimately concluded that the slurs used against him were 'banter' - sparking public outrage.
Mr Rafiq contested this today, saying "P*** is not banter, racism is not banter,”
“The game as a whole really has a problem in listening to the victim.
“It’s been gaslighting, it’s been ‘yeah but’.
“There is no 'yeah, but' to racism.”
In a wide-ranging testimony, Mr Rafiq also added that all he wanted to do was realise his "dream" of playing for England and that he was "in denial" about the scale of the issue up until 2014.
He also said that he thought "things had changed" when he returned in 2016, but the atmosphere became "toxic" when Gary Ballance took over as captain later in the year.
Mr Rafiq also said that racism was a problem in sport "up and down to country", before adding:
"If Yorkshire had seen this as an opportunity to become the leaders in the space, an opportunity to make a real difference in society and the game this could have gone a completely different direction".
Feature image - Parliament TV
Leeds
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’
Clementine Hall
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
16th November 2021 
