Former Scotland cricketer Majid Haq called ‘a f***** cheating p***’ whilst umpiring in Greenock

A man is reported to have been charged after making vile racist comments to a cricket umpire in Greenock.

Former Scotland cricketer Majid Haq made headlines last year after he and his teammate Qasim Sheikh, came forward with deeply worrying allegations of institutional racism against Cricket Scotland.

However, more than a year later, the issue seems to not have been addressed properly, if at all. Haq, who gained over 200 caps for Scotland, was allegedly subjected to the abuse while acting as standing umpire at Greenock Cricket Club in Inverclyde on Saturday.

Following the incident, his lawyer released a statement where he said that the alleged incident was “incredibly upsetting”.

Haq said: “I appreciate the word is already out about the incident at Greenock on 12 August. There is already far too much misinformation out on social media, particularly regarding racism issues in cricket, and therefore I felt it important to put this out.

“After making a decision as standing umpire, I was called a f***** cheating p***.

The police have confirmed that a 63-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident and will appear in court at a later date.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 63-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with racial abuse which is alleged to have happened in Brisbane Street, Greenock on Saturday, August 12, 2023. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man he is expected to appear in court at a later date.”

A Cricket Scotland statement was also released addressing the incident and read: “Cricket Scotland condemns in the strongest possible terms the behaviour that took place at Greenock on Saturday.

“Racism has no place in sport or society. It is a scar on cricket, and Cricket Scotland is wholly committed, along with our partners, to eradicating racist behaviour and attitudes from our game.

“As this incident is now part of a live criminal case, Cricket Scotland is unable to comment further.

“However, the governing body can confirm it is working in conjunction with the CSMOA (Cricket Scotland Match Officials Association), WDCU (Western District Cricket Union) and Greenock Cricket Club to ensure internal disciplinary proceedings proceed swiftly and appropriately, following due process.”