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Azeem Rafiq made antisemitic comments in newly surfaced Facebook messages
The cricket player recently made shockwaves by exposing racism in the sport
November 18, 2021 17:41
The cricket player recently made shockwaves by exposing racism in the sport
November 18, 2021 17:41Azeem Rafiq has apologised to the Jewish community for a series of antisemitic Facebook posts made in 2011.
The cricketer, who has risen to public attention after exposing the racist abuse he faced at Yorkshire Cricket Club, was revealed by The Times to have labelled another player “a jew” because of his perceived stinginess.
In an exchange with former Leicestershire cricketer Ateeq Javid, Mr Rafiq says “Hahaha he is a jew .. Probs go after my 2nds again ha [sic]” in response to Mr Javid saying the other man will pretend to leave his bank card at home in order to avoid paying for a meal.
“That iz wrong gunna get ripped 4 tht mate lolz,” responds Mr Javid.
Mr Rafiq then says: “Haha proper ripped bro.. How wrong is tht?? Only jews do that sort of shit ha.”
— Azeem Rafiq (@AzeemRafiq30) November 18, 2021
In a statement published online, Mr Rafiq confirmed the exchange was him and said he had “no excuses” for his comments.
He said: I am ashamed of this exchange and have now deleted it so as not to cause further offense. I was 19 at the time and I hope and believe I am a different person today.
“I am incredibly angry at myself and I apologise to the Jewish community and everyone who is rightly offended by this.”
The ex-England youth captain caused shockwaves within cricket this week after exposing the racism he faced while a player.
In testimony given to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, Mr Rafiq spoke of the “inhuman” treatment he suffered, including being forced to drink wine despite his Muslim faith.
He told the hearing the racial abuse he suffered was not "banter", as the club's initial report concluded.