Cricketer Alex Hales apologises for 'foolish and reckless' blackface photo

19 November 2021, 08:34 | Updated: 19 November 2021, 12:22

Cricketer Alex Hales apologises after blackface photo emerges

English cricketer Alex Hales has apologised for an "incredibly disrespectful" photo of him appearing in blackface at a party in 2009.

An image has emerged of the former England batter attending a fancy dress party as Tupac Shakur more than 10 years ago.

In an Instagram video, Hales admitted his decision to wear blackface was "foolish and reckless".

The matter is being investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board and by his club Nottinghamshire.

The county were already investigating a claim made by racism whistleblower Azeem Rafiq to MPs on Tuesday in relation to the naming of Hales' dog.

Read more: Azeem Rafiq: Alex Hales denies naming his dog 'Kevin' had 'racial connotations'

Rafiq said the use of the word 'Kevin' as a derogatory term for any person of colour by his Yorkshire team-mate Gary Ballance was "an open secret in the England dressing room" and that Hales had chosen to call his black dog by that name.

Speaking on Instagram about the 2009 party, Hales said: "The theme was musicians and Tupac (Shakur) is, was and always will be my favourite musician so I went as him.

"Obviously I realise this is incredibly disrespectful and I want to apologise for the offence this has no doubt caused.

"It was incredibly reckless and foolish on my behalf and I apologise for that, and apologise to the club for the embarrassment it would have caused them.

"I deplore all forms of racism and discrimination."

Read more: 'I am ashamed': Cricketer Azeem Rafiq apologises over 2011 antisemitic messages

An ECB spokesperson said: "We strongly condemn any form of discrimination. We have procedures in place to address conduct and allegations of this nature and we will investigate accordingly. We want cricket to be an inclusive, welcoming game for everyone."

Nottinghamshire confirmed they had extended the scope of their investigation into Hales to include the fancy dress party.

"Alex will be subject to the club's established disciplinary process and has indicated his willingness to participate in the investigation," the county said.