'I take it as the most serious allegation ever' - Michael Vaughan reacts after being accused of racism by Azeem Rafiq

Azeem Rafiq revealed that he has been a victim of racism at the Yorkshire Cricket Club. Rafiq has also named former England captain Michael Vaughan for racial abuse as well.

According to the report, Vaughan had said that there were too many of Rafiq’s kind and something needs to be done regarding the same. “Too many of you lot, we need to do something about it,” Vaughan had said according to the report.

The report states that these comments from Vaughan had been made in the year 2009. However, Vaughan has completely denied the accusations made against him. The 47-year-old said that these allegations have hit him like a brick. Adding that he has been involved with the game for three decades, Vaughan stated that he has never been accused of any disciplinary issue.

“This hit me very hard. It was like being struck over the head with a brick. I have been involved in cricket for 30 years and never once been accused of any remotely similar incident or disciplinary offence as a player or commentator,” said Michael Vaughan as quoted by The Daily Telegraph.

I have nothing to hide: Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan also said that he has nothing to hide and the ‘you lot’ comment for which Vaughan has been accused of never took place. Vaughan also added that it hurts him to think that he has affected Rafiq.

“I have nothing to hide. The “you lot” comment never happened. Anyone trying to recollect words said ten years ago will be fallible but I am adamant those words were not used.

If Rafiq believes something was said at the time to upset him then that is what he believes. It is difficult to comment on that except to say it hurts me hugely to think I potentially affected someone,” added Vaughan.

Vaughan even said that he takes Rafiq’s accusation as the most serious one of his life and he will fight to prove that he has never said it. “I take it as the most serious allegation ever put in front of me and I will fight to the end to prove I am not that person,” concluded Michael Vaughan.