No space for racism or discrimination in sport or society: Williamson on Yorkshire racism scandal

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, ahead of the third and final Test against England, has talked about the recent racism scandal that has rocked his former side Yorkshire. 

Williamson, who signed with the county side as an overseas professional from 2014-2018, has said that he hopes there will be 'healing' and things will change for the better.

Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq opened up about facing racism and bullying during his multiple stints with the club in September 2020. 

The off-spinners testimony in front of a parliamentary panel saw the Yorkshire County Cricket Club make extensive changes to their management from top to bottom. 

According to AFP, Williamson said: "It's been incredibly sad to see what's unfolded. I can only hope that something positive comes out of it and the awareness that it's created to move forward in a positive manner.

“There is no space for racism or discrimination in sport or society. I was here for a few brief stints and enjoyed my time at Yorkshire."

Williamson further stated that it is essential to raise global awareness and make the sport more inclusive than ever before.

"There were some issues that were made aware more recently and you can only hope that there is healing. There's been a huge amount of awareness throughout the whole world, efforts to continue that awareness and make it a more inclusive place, whether in sport or other work places," Williamson concluded.

When asked about racism in the sport, England Test skipper Ben Stokes spoke about how his team understood that it was about having "a responsibility on the field, as well as off the field".

Last week, Andrew Gale won a case against his former club, where he was hastily sacked, leaving them liable for compensation.

New chairperson Lord Kamlesh Patel has been helming the affairs at the YCCC, trying to regain the trust and reputation of the club that has been one of the most decorated sides across domestic cricket.