Man charged after cricket umpire Majid Haq allegedly racially abused at Greenock Cricket Club

A man has been charged after a cricket umpire was allegedly subjected to racial abuse in Greenock.

Former bowler Majid Haq, who gained over 200 caps for Scotland, was allegedly targeted while acting as standing umpire at Greenock Cricket Club in Inverclyde on Saturday.

In a statement released through his lawyer, he said the alleged incident had been “incredibly upsetting”.

The former Scotland cricketer 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***.

“It was incredibly upsetting, not just for me but also for the numerous players of Pakistani descent in earshot.”

Officers confirmed a 63-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is expected to 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 relating to the alleged racist abuse suffered by Haq 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.”