Robinson ban shows the ‘need for change’
MOEEN ALI has warned future generations of English cricketers that ‘things need to change’ after Ollie Robinson received an eight-match ban for the racist and sexist tweets that came to light during the Lord’s Test last month.
But with five of those matches suspended for two years, and the independent Cricket Discipline Commission ruling that
Robinson has already missed three – the second Test against New Zealand, plus two T20 games for Sussex – he is now free to resume playing.
Robinson was fined £3,200 for the offensive tweets, which were posted between 2012 and 2014, and yesterday reiterated his embarrassment and shame.
He added: ‘I am deeply sorry for the hurt I caused. This has been the most difficult time in my professional career for both my family and myself.’
Moeen said he would welcome Robinson back into the England dressing room, while admitting he had been surprised by the tweets, one of which made a comment about Muslims and bombs.
‘I thought the ECB did the right thing in putting him out of the Test series, so he’s done his time in terms of the ban,’ said Moeen. ‘Everyone makes mistakes. You move on, you forget and forgive. He’s a really good guy.
‘Regardless of the length of the punishment, the fact that there was punishment was a good sign. You can’t get away with these things. Things need to change, and people need to change. Even as a young player coming through the county circuit, you’ve got to be careful what you tweet. There are loads of things that will come out of this, and hopefully they’re good for the future.’
Asked about his reaction on seeing the tweets, Moeen said: ‘It was a long time ago, which doesn’t make that much difference in my opinion. It was a surprise, but there’s not much I can say to that.’
Moeen will hope to have more of a role to play on the field in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Bristol today. He did not bowl or bat as England clinched a series win in the second game.
‘Obviously I’m disappointed and I want to play, but we’re winning,’ he said. ‘In the past I would let it affect me. But I’ve come to realise it’s not me and not to blame myself for not getting the chances.’