Azeem Rafiq has followed through on his apology for anti-Semitic messages he posted 10 years ago by marking the forgiveness he has received by lighting a candle at a Holocaust memorial event.
In November, the former Yorkshire spinner gave evidence to a parliamentary committee from the department for culture, media and sport over alleged racism he suffered during two separate spells at Headingley.
However, Rafiq found himself in a precarious position after offensive messages he sent to a colleague emerged, with the 30-year-old taking full responsibility.
In the exchange, Rafiq wrote: “Hahahaha he is a jew .. Probs go after my 2nds again ha.”
Another message sent by Rafiq said: “Haha propa ripped bro.. How wrong is that?? Only jews do that sort of s*** ha.”
Rafiq posted an apology on Twitter immediately after the conversation came to light, and he attended a memorial event held by the Anne Frank Trust to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
The account tweeted: “Finally, @AzeemRafiq30 lights his candle in thanks to the Jewish community for their kindness and forgiveness for past antisemitic comments. And for an end to all racism and prejudice like that which he faced as a cricketer.”
Rafiq, who attended the event to educate himself, apologised on social media after his comments were discovered.
He wrote: “I was sent an image of this exchange from early 2011 today. I have gone back to check my account and it is me - I have absolutely no excuses.
“I am ashamed of this exchange and have now deleted it so as not to cause further offence. 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.”
As a result of Rafiq’s case against Yorkshire CCC, chairman Roger Hutton and CEO Mark Arthur have each stepped down, while director of cricket Martyn Moxon and head coach Andrew Gale also left the club.
Sponsors have also deserted the club, while Yorkshire have been indefinitely stripped of hosting international fixtures at Headingley over their handling of the issue.
