Unnamed player was under 16 at the time of offensive social media posts
More historic tweets of a discriminatory nature from a player involved with the England men’s squad have emerged.
One tweet uses derogatory slang and graphics to describe people of Chinese origin. Another uses derogatory terminology to describe homosexuality.
The player was aged less than 16 at the time. As a result, Wisden.com and ESPNcricinfo have chosen not to name him.
It is likely the case will be added to the Robinson investigation and the player removed from the England squad. Their age at the time might offer some mitigation, however.
“It has been brought to our attention that an England player has posted historic offensive material on their social media account,” an ECB spokesperson said. “We are looking into it and will make a further comment in due course.”
While the incident is likely to increase pressure on the ECB to examine the social media output of players in the England set-up, current arrangements leave such a role in the hands of the PCA (the players’ union). A spokesperson confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that all current England players’ Twitter feeds and Instagram accounts are monitored. The practice is paid for by TEPP; the Team England Player Partnership.
The PCA also retains a lawyer, Matt Himsworth (through his company, B5 Consultancy), who is seen as an expert in digital media. He has spoken at Rookie Camps – the training sessions provided to new professional cricketers – and is said to offer regular advice. He recently conducted sessions with the eight women’s regional centres.
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo