ECB to conduct 'social media review' in light of Ollie Robinson controversy

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Saturday announced a ‘social media review’ after their players were in the firing line for old posts. The issue first came to light due to Ollie Robinson. When he made his Test debut against New Zealand, old tweets of his surfaced. These posts were made when Robinson were 18 or 19 years old. But the racist and sexist nature of the tweets saw him come under fire. As things stand, he is suspended pending an investigation into the matter. “Making cricket a game for everyone is central to the game’s Inspiring Generations strategy,” Ian Watmore, the ECB chair, said. “Celebrating our many brilliant role models in men’s, women’s and disability cricket is essential to that aim. And the right use of social media is a critical means for achieving it.

“As the National Governing Body, we must steer a path between helping individuals project an inclusive image, educating them on what is expected of them and allowing them the space to express themselves to the public. We must also investigate their actions and sanction them when they fall short.

“The board was unanimous in support of the [ECB] executive in the actions taken by them in the last week and agrees with their plans to move the game forward in a spirit of inclusion, education and personal responsibility, whilst addressing those cases which cause most offence head on.”

‘ECB, others can do more’

Rob Lynch, the PCA chief executive, also said that “there is always more we can do”.

Currently, the PCA advise players on their social media content and monitor the Twitter and Instagram accounts. There is no system of taking a look back at historic posts.

“We are committed to working with our members and the ECB on further education and there is always more that we can do,” Lynch said.

“We will consult with our members and work with the ECB to develop terms of reference for a social media review, which in turn, will lead to better insight and an opportunity to improve.

“Our commitment, as always in times like this is to ensure the ECB process is fair and considered and to offer support, advice, and education to all of our members.”

Robinson apologises, still suspended

Robinson had been suspended by the ECB on Monday. His old posts started doing the rounds on Twitter on the day he made his Test debut against New Zealand.

After the tweets came to light, Robinson said he was ’embarrased’ by the it all. It is also worth noting that the tweets in question are over eight years old. But the 27-year-old still said he was ashamed of them.

“On the biggest day of my career so far, I am embarrassed by the racist and sexist tweets that I posted over eight years ago, which have today become public. I want to make it clear that I’m not racist and I’m not sexist; I deeply regret my actions, and I am ashamed of making such remarks.”

He also offered up an apology ‘to anyone he has offended’.

“I would like to unreservedly apologise to anyone I have offended, my teammates and the game as a whole in what has been a day of action and awareness in combatting discrimination from our sport.”

However, the condemnation of Robinson hasn’t been universal. Many in England have said the way he’s being punished is too harsh. This includes top politicians like Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

To make matters worse, other players too are reportedly under the scanner.