ENGLAND cricketer Alex Hales painted his face black for a photo that brought more shame to a sport racked by racism.
Hales, 32 years old, who was embroiled this week in the Yorkshire race row, surprised guests at a New Years Eve bash with his presence.
England cricketer Alex Hales painted his face black for a picture – taken with innocent friends. This brought more shame to a sport already roiled by racism
He tried to justify his actions last night by claiming that it was an homage to US rapper Tupac Shakur.
The English Cricket Board announced that it would investigate.
Julian Knight, MP for Yorkshire, heard shocking testimony from Azeem Rahfeq on Tuesday.
The chairman of the select committee said: “This image — which comes after a week in which cricket was shamed as never before — is extremely disturbing and offensive.
The very soul of English Cricket is at stake.
Nick Lowles is the chief executive officer of Hope Not Hate. He added, “There is not a scenario where blackface would be acceptable.” It is unacceptable to call it a tribute.
A partygoer in Nottingham, 2009 said: “We could not believe it when he showed up. It was frowned upon even back then. He didn’t care at all.”
This week Rafiq spoke to MPs about how his teammates called him a “P**i”, and “elephant wash”.
He claimed that Hales called his black dog “Kevin”, and that Gary Ballance, 31, of England called people of color “Kevin”.
Rafiq stated: “It is disgusting what a joke that was.”
Hales has denied that the name of his dog had any racist connotations. He was suspended by England in 2019 for a positive drug test.
He said yesterday about the black-up photo: “In 2009 I attended a New Years Eve musical tribute fancy costume party. I dressed up in honor of my musical hero Tupac Shakur. I have admired him since childhood, and I didn’t realise at the time how offensive this was.
“I reiterate my earlier statement and emphasize how much I deplore all forms of racism and discrimination.”
The ECB stated that it “has procedures in place to deal with conduct and allegations of such a nature and will investigate accordingly”.
Ebony Rainford Brent, a CRICKET pundit, has received a racist message telling her to leave the country.
The note continues: “White cricket is white culture.” and urges her: “Go!” “Go today.”
Sky commentator Ebony (right) and former England footballer, replied: “Interesting.” She said: “I was born in South London, but apparently found naked in Africa by a primitive.”
Ebony, 37 years old, who was awarded an MBE in recognition of her anti-racism efforts, said: “As I entered the cricket field, the comments began… But I love the sport and it offers so much more.”
