So the report will say there were people there that gave evidence confirming Rafiq was lying about Vaughn
My assumption is that it just couldn't be proven. In other words it wasn't written or filmed so it was their word against his. Nobody has been called a liar. Very careful with their wording. All seems a waste of time and money to me.
It's an odd one. Rana and Adil say they heard it. Other lads say they didn't. I've known Adil for about 25 years and I wouldn't have him as a liar. Agree with what you've said regarding the nature of the trial though.
An awful process that I doubt has brought anybody any closure. Mudslinging from fifteen years ago was never going to bring about anything positive.
One of the two people that suggested it was said has also told his friends that he was pressured by someone to say he heard it. Matthew Hoggard has admitted to saying it and called Rafiq to apologise, Rafiq accepted the apology but then out of nowhere went for Vaughan. For what its worth, I'm not suggesting racism wasn't happening to Rafiq, there definitely was. But for balance, Rafiq does have a habit for twisting the truth. I'm going to leave this thread now, because I don't think its fair to the players whom I know.
It's quite possible for people to believe something was said or happened when it never did, people are fundamentally unreliable as witnesses - the brain is a fantastic organ, and is great at filling in gaps in your memory to make the past make sense. Neuroscientists did a study after 9-11 - in the immediate aftermath they asked a cross-section of people to tell them where they were and what they were doing when the twin towers were hit - one year later they asked the same people, the same question and the vast majority gave a different answer - even when they were confronted with what they'd said previously they were certain their current recollection was correct.
I think it's more likely that you didnt hear something than you did hear something , so I'm inclined to believe those who definitely heard him, if they are 100% certain.
Honestly I’ve no opinion on who’s telling and truth and who isn’t. There’s two sets of people saying opposite things, and nothing to prove or disprove either way.
I don't care anymore to be honest, as its all just mud slinging now. It looks like nobody comes out of this in a positive light, including Rafiq himself.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2024/01/08/yorkshire-hit-back-colin-graves-critics/ Colin Graves set to return as Yorkshire chairman if his proposed takeover is approved. Rafiq has hit out at this and told the board to block it. Will or could the the ECB do anything about this?
Can't read the article unfortunately, but I can't see how Graves returning is good for anyone. Not sure whether the ECB can block it, I'd have thought there'd be something they could do which would force it to be stopped, even if it was threatening more sanctions on Yorkshire. Then again, that might be legally challenged if there's nothing official to stop it. I'm waffling now
Yorkshire are in a complete financial mess and Graves is the only game in town. They will continue to flag everything is OK, subject to stringent due diligence and above board until the point where they are called out on it by the regulator. It’s exactly the same mistake they made when dealing with Rafiq.
Apparently, some sponsors are ready to walk away from the club as well now if this goes ahead. What an absolute mess this has become!. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/67923441