'Even umpires treated me indifferently' - Tino Best shares his experience of facing racial discrimination in England

The death of George Floyd has rocked the whole world including the cricket fraternity. Floyd’s death has led to many protests in the world and many people have highlighted the pertaining issue of ‘racism’. The incidents of racial abuse in the sport have taken the center stage as many cricketers have opened up about their bitter experiences.

West Indies’ Darren Sammy and Chris Gayle, while condemning Floyd’s death, raised their voices against racism in cricket. Sammy also pointed out that he was addressed as ‘Kalu’ by his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates. Similarly, Gayle, in his Instagram story, also revealed that he often gets the end of the stick for being a ‘black man’ in the side.

Another West Indies international, Tino Best has also opened up on his experience of facing racism in the sport. The pacer recalled the time he was subjected to racism while he was playing club cricket in England. Best also pointed out that racism wasn’t confined to players. Even the umpires used to treat the pacer indifferently.

“I used to be like ‘Are you serious?’ and they were like, ‘Do you want to get in a fight? Then leave.’ So that is one of the reasons why I never really liked to play club cricket in England because of the umpires and other teams,” said Tino during a conversation with Dr Yash Kashikar on his Instagram Live show Say Yash To Sports.

Would go and play anywhere but not in England: Tino Best

Best highlighted that the concept of racism is deep-rooted in England as he termed it as a ‘racial place’. Best, who had County stints with Yorkshire in 2010 and later with Hampshire in 2016, said that he would prefer playing anywhere but the UK.

While supporting the statements given by Gayle and Sammy, Best also said that one should always speak up against racism without thinking about the consequences.