Sir Geoffrey Boycott has launched a scathing attack on Yorkshire County Cricket Club, accusing them of making a grave error by dismissing Phillip Hodson from their board following his disciplinary sanction.
Writing in the Telegraph, the former England batsman declared that Yorkshire “have shot themselves in the foot” with their decision.
Boycott reserved particular ire for the complaints process that led to Hodson’s downfall.
“What a ridiculous, unfair system when anyone who dislikes you or claims to be offended by what you said or perhaps has an ulterior motive can report you to the Cricket Regulator and destroy your reputation,” he wrote.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott blasted the lack of free speech after Phillip Hodson lost his job
He questioned the fairness of accusers remaining anonymous whilst the accused faces public scrutiny.
“All the time they stay anonymous but your life is turned upside down. How can it be right when you don’t get to know your accusers?” Boycott added.
The incident occurred on 22 July last year at Scarborough Cricket Club’s annual festival dinner, where Hodson was serving as deputy chairman of Yorkshire.
Boycott revealed he had been hospitalised that day, with Hodson stepping in as master of ceremonies.
The 74-year-old businessman and former Cambridge cricketer made two jokes whilst introducing a guest speaker that evening.
Phillip Hodson has been dismissed from the Yorkshire County Cricket Club board
|GETTY
Two attendees from the gathering of more than 200 guests subsequently lodged complaints with Yorkshire, who forwarded the matter to the Cricket Regulator.
The independent Cricket Discipline Panel found Hodson guilty of making offensive and discriminatory remarks concerning sexual orientation and disability.
His punishment comprised a formal reprimand, the minimum possible fine of £1,000, and mandatory attendance on an equality and diversity training course.
Hodson, who served as MCC president in 2012 — becoming the first Yorkshireman to hold that prestigious position in half a century — is no longer part of Yorkshire’s board.
Chris Haward, managing director of the Cricket Regulator, stated: “The ICEC report was clear that as with all areas of culture, the tone is set from the top down, and the Cricket Regulator will act irrespective of the individual’s position within the game.”
The sanctions against Hodson arrive as Yorkshire continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott has hit out at his old club over the move
| GETTYIn 2023, the club received a £400,000 fine and points deductions for their mishandling of the affair.
Rafiq, the former Yorkshire player, had alleged that English cricket suffered from institutional racism and that racist language was deployed “constantly” at the club.
Six former Yorkshire players were subsequently sanctioned with fines and bans after being found to have used racist language.
However, there are signs of progress at Headingley. Earlier this week, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali reversed his retirement decision to join Yorkshire, praising the club’s efforts to eradicate racism.