English County Cricket Club Gloucestershire Apologise To Ex-Player Over Racist Abuse

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English county cricket club Gloucestershire have apologised "unreservedly" to retired Test bowler David Lawrence for failing to investigate incidents of racist abuse he suffered while playing for them.

Lawrence recounted the incidents in a Sky Sports documentary about the experiences of black cricket players and officials in England and Wales called "You Guys Are History". The former paceman, 57, said a teammate left a banana skin outside his hotel room during his first away match for Gloucestershire in England's domestic County Championship in 1981.

He also alleged Gloucestershire failed to investigate an incident where he was racially abused by the crowd at an away fixture. "The behaviour and attitudes David experienced were as unacceptable then as they are today," Gloucestershire said in a statement.

"The club wishes to apologise unreservedly to David for all the hurt he has experienced, both as a Gloucestershire player and as part of the wider cricketing network." Gloucestershire said Lawrence met club bosses after the documentary aired this month to discuss the issues it raised.

"The club would also like to apologise to any player or employee who may have experienced similar prejudices during their time at Gloucestershire," the statement added.

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