EXCLUSIVE: BBC diversity group slams broadcaster’s ‘harmful, embarrassing and disturbing’ decision to stand by Michael Vaughan after the former English cricket captain was charged by the ECB over the Yorkshire racism scandal.
- Michael Vaughan has returned to work for the BBC despite an ECB charge
- The former England captain has been charged with dishonoring the match
- He was caught in the Yorkshire racism scandal, but the BBC assisted him
A BBC diversity group has emailed all staff to express its disgust at the broadcaster’s completely inexcusable ‘decision to stand by Michael Vaughan, even though he is one of a group charged by the ECB after the racism scandal in Yorkshire.
BBC Sport’s Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Group (BAME) and 5 Live Diversity Group say in a powerful open letter that while the former English captain – who vehemently denies the allegation – is innocent until proven guilty, it must be acknowledged how harmful, embarrassing and it is upsetting to many colleagues across BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live and the wider BBC ‘.
They add that the depth of feeling towards the BBC’s decision is ‘exhausting, overwhelming and unbearable’. It is understood that BBC officials are reviewing their current position on Vaughan.
A BBC diversity group has commented on the broadcaster’s decision to stand by Michael Vaughan
‘Colleagues from all backgrounds were in touch to share their disbelief and dismay, with some moved to tears due to the apparent lack of empathy, understanding and leadership over this. What support is there for colleagues who are deeply affected by this – but actually still have to work with Michael Vaughan? ‘
The broadcaster decided last week to assist Vaughan. He is still working for them on England’s third Test with New Zealand at Headingley.
Vaughan, 47, has been charged with bringing the game into dispute in connection with the scandal, with disciplinary hearings only to take place in September.
Vaughan, 47, returns to work during the New Zealand Test series despite an ECB charge
It is understood that he will not be questioned about the charges while commenting.
Vaughan was initially dismissed indefinitely by the BBC in November over allegations of racism by Azeem Rafiq, who claimed he told a group of Muslim players in 2009 that there were “too many of you, we need to do something about it.”
Vaughan was taken off the air when the allegations became public and only returned in March.
He denies the allegations ‘completely and categorically’. He is one of seven former Yorkshire cricketers charged by the ECB following an investigation into allegations of historic racism at Headingley.
“With Michael Vaughan involved in this scandal and now understood to be being charged by the ECB, it feels completely inexcusable that he should continue to appear as a representative of BBC Sport,” the letter reads.
The BBC and Vaughan’s representatives were contacted for comment. The letter adds: ‘This is really a shocking miscalculation. It is important that we want to emphasize our undivided support for Lou Sutton (5 Live Sport Editor) and Steve Lyle (CEO) who are understandably in a difficult position with this.
Vaughan was charged by the ECB in light of evidence given by Azeem Rafiq (right)
‘We fully support them and do not want them to feel isolated or alone in this incredibly difficult situation.
“For us, it’s about integrity to stand up for what’s right and to call for the relentless calculation that prioritises one in the discomfort and trauma of many.
“We are exhausted. We are tired. We are fed up with having the same discussions and reliving the same trauma.
“The small steps forward that we take to try to build greater inclusivity and understanding are totally undone by decisions like this and it really needs to be acknowledged here.”