Muslim cricket fans put off going to Headingley due to Yorkshire inaction at racism, says Azeem Rafiq report

Muslim spectators were likely to have been discouraged from attending matches due to Yorkshire's "woefully inadequate" efforts to stop racist abuse at Headingley, according to the Azeem Rafiq report.

A grandfather of a current Yorkshire player shouted "who are all those P**i kids running around" and, on another occasion, alcohol was thrown over Muslim children spectators.

However, the club allegedly took little notice, with investigators recording "a very real, prolific and highly-concerning problem of Muslim spectators being subjected to racial abuse at Headingley".

Leaked excerpts of the 12-month investigation into Rafiq's dossier of claims also confirm the panel upheld complaints of discriminatory behaviour against two coaches. As first reported by the ESPNcricinfo website, one of them, who is a former international player, is accused of abusing ex-West Indies fast bowler Tino Best by telling him "go home". In the panel's view, this was a reference to the overseas player's nationality and therefore amounted "to discrimination on the grounds of race under the Equality Act 2010."

The report contains wider criticism, however, of the club's "very concerning and alarming pattern" of failing to act when behaviour was reported within the club and in the ground. A club employee described the management's response to the incident as "not interested" and the report found that Yorkshire "failed to deal, adequately or at all, with such allegations". Investigators conclude that Muslim spectators could have been discouraged from attending Headingley as a result.

The report concludes that Yorkshire has a "historic problem" with racism because the club "failed to address it or take any action in respect of it".

"The panel's view is that the club's actions have been woefully inadequate in protecting both spectators and players from being subjected to racist abuse by others, and their omissions have had the unfortunate result that those responsible for such behaviour have suffered no adverse consequences for their actions," the report stated.

"The panel notes there appears to be a very concerning and alarming pattern of the club failing to take any action, or taking inadequate action, when such incidents are reported to them, and failing to adopt any adequate measures of prevention, control or elimination of racist abuse.

"The panel observes that the club could have made further enquiries and taken action such as banning the grandparent from attending the grounds, issuing a general statement or apology to those who were there and witnessed it, issuing a statement concerning how such language will not be tolerated by the Club, and reminding players that they are ultimately responsible for their family members' actions on YCCC premises and that they must make every effort to ensure their families behave appropriately and respectfully."

The England and Wales Cricket Board, which is considering bringing its own disciplinary action against individuals, wants proof that the club have made improvements before it lifts a ban on international fixtures at Headingley.

More extracts of the report, which is likely to be published in full next week, came to light as Yorkshire's embattled chief executive, Mark Arthur, finally resigned amid intense pressure over his alleged inaction during the Rafiq saga.

Telegraph Sport had previously revealed how the investigation found Arthur missed a chance to settle "amicably" with Rafiq when the club failed to pursue three separate warnings of racism in 2018.

Arthur follows the lead of former chair Roger Hutton by leaving his post at Headingley immediately. Lord Kamlesh Patel, who replaced Hutton on Friday, has since set about instituting a number of initiatives related to the allegations against the club.