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Essex captain Tom Westley issues apology after alcohol poured on Muslim player

by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

Essex captain Tom Westley has issued an apology on behalf of his side after alcohol was poured on a Muslim player during celebrations after the Bob Willis Trophy final on Sunday.

Twenty-one-year-old batsman Feroze Khushi – 12th man for the five-day final at Lord’s – was pictured having alcohol sprayed on him by a teammate as Essex celebrated winning the competition following a draw over Somerset.

“On behalf of myself and the team, we would like to apologise for any offence that was caused during our celebrations at Lord’s on Sunday,” said Westley in a statement.

“At Essex, we believe we have built a strong dressing room culture that supports one another both on and off the field.”

Westley added that the team had reflected on the event on Tuesday, and were “disappointed that we let this happen”.

“As a group we have come together today and discussed the event and on reflection, we are disappointed that we let this happen.

“Moving forward, the squad will be more responsible and aware of our actions and will continue to learn and develop with the help of the ECB and the PCA”.

Westley’s apology followed on from a statement made by Essex on Monday, with the club stating that the celebration “did not meet the inclusive values of the organisation”.

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