Ollie Robinson has been cleared for an immediate return to Cricket in the wake of the publication of historic offensive tweets during his Test debut at Lord’s last month, after which the Cricket Discipline Association suspended him for straight eight weeks -five of them suspended for two years – as well as imposed a fine of €3200.
Robinson has previously admitted breaching ECB Directives 3.3 and 3.4 in relation to a number of offensive tweets which were posted between 2012 and 2014 when was aged between 18 and 20.
Following a hearing on June 30, the Panel decided that Robinson should be suspended from playing cricket for eight matches, five of which will be suspended for two years.
“As regards the three matches which are the subject of immediate suspension, the Panel has taken into account the suspension imposed by the England Team from the second Test, against New Zealand, together with two of the Vitality Blast T20 matches from which Robinson voluntarily withdrew himself from selection for Sussex CCC due to the impact of these proceedings. Robinson, is therefore, free to play cricket immediately”, ECB said in an official statement
The decision meant that Robinson would be available for England’s Test series against India, starting at Trent Bridge on August 4.
Responding to the verdict, the player reiterated his shame and embarrassment at his past actions but insisted he had learnt from his mistakes and would work with his players' body, the PCA to help other players avoid making the same mistakes.
“I fully accept the CDC's decision”, Robinson said. “As I have said previously, I am incredibly embarrassed and ashamed about the tweets I posted many years ago and apologize unreservedly for their contents. I am deeply sorry for the hurt I caused to anyone who read those tweets and in particular to those people to whom the messages caused offense. This has been the most difficult time in my professional career for both my family and myself”
The Panel was chaired by Mark Miliken- Smith QC. The other two members were Claire Taylor and Anurag Singh.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/england-s-ollie-robinson-cleared-for-return-to-cricket-after-receiving-fine-and-suspension-for-historic-tweets-126852
