Michael Vaughan steps down from his commentary role with BBC amid racial allegations

By: Sports DeskUpdated: June 29, 2022 12:43:36 pm

Former England captain turned cricket pundit, Michael Vaughan has decided to step down from his commentary role at BBC in light of the ongoing dialogue around him for making racist comments ahead of a Yorkshire game in 2009.

On Tuesday, Vaughan issued a statement confirming his decision, “On numerous occasions, I put on record my views on the issues concerning YCCC. It is always regrettable when commentary on matters off the field takes the focus away from what’s happening on the field. In view of the ongoing dialogue on the subject, I have taken the decision to step back from my work with the BBC for the time being.”

pic.twitter.com/cZQOnz8ZX6

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 28, 2022

The former cricketer also added, “The key driver for this is my concern for the wellbeing of my family members and my wish to protect their family life. Stepping back temporarily is also in the interests of the game and I hope that It will minimise any difficulties for my work colleagues.”

Pressure mounted on Vaughan after the BBC’s in-house diversity group had criticised the broadcaster for its decision to employ the former Vaughan as a commentator for the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley. According to a report in the Guardian, the BBC Sport’s Black, Asian and minority ethnic group had shot an email to the staff calling it “totally inexcusable”.

Vaughan, who has been charged following an investigation into racism claims made by former player Azeem Rafiq, was doing live commentary for the third Test on Radio 5.

Rafiq, a former England under-19 captain of Pakistani descent, last year alleged that he had been a victim of institutional racism at the club. The scandal shook English cricket to its core and led to numerous changes in coaching and administrative personnel at Yorkshire.

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The group in its mail called the move “a shocking miscalculation” that had caused “excruciating, overwhelming and unbearable” distress among many members of staff.

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Earlier, following the accusations of racist comments by Vaughan, he was dropped from coverage of the Ashes last November.

First published on: 28-06-2022 at 09:57:24 am Next Story

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