Ahmed the latest Essex player to allege racism

JAHID Ahmed has become the latest former Essex player to allege that he was the subject of racist abuse while playing for the club.

In an interview with The Cricketer, Ahmed says he concluded that Essex was “a white man’s world where brown people were outsiders” after being asked by a team-mate if he was “going to bomb” the club.

The 35-year-old also claims his voice was mocked and mimicked by both players and some members of the coaching staff and that he felt pressured to attend a team meeting in a pub while he was fasting during Ramadan.

Former fast bowler Ahmed played seven first-class matches between 2005 and 2009 during his time at Essex.

The new development follows allegations made earlier this month by former Essex batter Zoheb Sharif, who said he received racist abuse that included being called “bomber” by his team-mates after the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

Another former Essex player, Maurice Chambers, has also described how he was allegedly subjected to racist bullying for 10 years at the club, including having bananas thrown at him and frequently being subjected to racist jokes.

In response to Ahmed’s allegations, Essex chief executive John Stephenson said in a statement: “I am disheartened to learn of these new historic racial allegations from a former player about several of his ex-teammates and a previous member of staff.

“The allegations reported to The Cricketer make difficult reading and they will be treated and investigated with the utmost seriousness.

“I have reached out to him to offer him our full support, and I hope he feels encouraged and comfortable enough to be a part of our imminent investigation.

“At the end of last week, we announced that the club will be working with Katharine Newton QC to focus on these allegations which have recently come to light.

“Ms Newton specialises in employment and discrimination cases and has widespread experience covering an extensive range of issues.

“Having someone of this stature looking into these allegations will allow us to complete a thorough and detailed independent investigation.

“We’ve made significant steps and I’m determined to tackle this head-on.”