Michael Vaughan steps down from BBC role two weeks after being charged in Yorkshire racism scandal

FORMER England captain Michael Vaughan has temporarily stood down from his role at the BBC over the Yorkshire racism scandal. Vaughan, 47, was charged earlier this month and his continued place on Test Match Special has been met with huge opposition. In a statement, Vaughan said: “On numerous occasions, I have put on record my […]

FORMER England captain Michael Vaughan has temporarily stood down from his role at the BBC over the Yorkshire racism scandal.

Vaughan, 47, was charged earlier this month and his continued place on Test Match Special has been met with huge opposition.

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In a statement, Vaughan said: “On numerous occasions, I have put on record my views on the issues concerning YCCC.

“It is always regrettable when commentary on matters off the field take 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.

“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.”

The BBC responded: “Following conversations with Michael Vaughan we’ve accepted his decision to step away from our cricket coverage.

“This is a decision we respect and understand.

“Michael remains under contract to the BBC.”

Vaughan and three other ex-England players have been charged with bringing cricket into disrepute over racism allegations.

Ashes-winning captain Vaughan, bowler Matthew Hoggard, batsman Gary Ballance and all-rounder Tim Bresnan are accused of racist and discriminatory language.

Ex-Yorkshire skipper Andrew Gale is believed to be among a total of seven individuals charged.

The charges come after former Yorkshire all-rounder Azeem Rafiq went public with claims that he was racially abused at the county.

Hoggard denies the claims, Bresnan has denied using racist language towards Rafiq, while Ballance admitted calling Rafiq a “P***” but claimed it was “banter” with his one-time best friend.

The cases will be heard by the Cricket Disciplinary Committee, which works separately from the ECB, in either September or October — although this could be delayed because of legal wrangling.  

Vaughan and other players plan to fight the charges and will have a chance to put their sides of the story under cross-examination.

Ballance is the only player still on the staff at Yorkshire, although he has not played this season.

Rafiq, who provided a witness statement to the ECB, said: “I welcome the announcement by the ECB and hope we can move to the hearing quickly.

“This has been another gruelling but unfortunately necessary process.

“It has been a long two years since I went public about my experiences — but I hope this all means that no young player ever goes through such pain and alienation again.”