Last Updated on 5 years ago by Charbel Coorey
As reported by the Telegraph, Ollie Robinson, who has enjoyed a terrific Test debut, will be dropped for the second Test against New Zealand due to racist and sexist tweets back in 2012. Robinson’s dream start, which featured the big scalps of Test regulars Tom Latham and Ross Taylor, quickly took a sharp turn as his old tweets surfaced online.
After day one at Lord’s, Robinson “unreservedly apologised” for the tweets. “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,” Robinson said shortly after stumps. “I want to make it clear that I’m not racist and I’m not sexist.”
Robinson has taken 4/75 and 2/8 with the ball, along with 42 with the bat on Test debut. However, much of the focus has been on Robinson’s tweets, as well as the ECB’s decision to drop him for the second Test.
Opinions were rife on Twitter, with fans calling the decision by the ECB as one that had to be made. Others felt the decision was too harsh. Below are some of the reactions.
Decision too harsh? Culture needs to be looked at
Some fans believe the tweets were made when Robinson was much younger and naive. Also, fans believe the focus should instead be on the culture around him that prompted such behaviour.
The likes of Harsha Bhogle weighed in. Many others were passionate in their stance.
Arguments for Ollie Robinson’s axing
Others believed that no matter one’s age, nor how long ago it was, action must be taken against racism and sexism.
What’s your take? Is it too harsh to drop Ollie Robinson for events from a decade ago? Or is the move necessary?
Or, should more be done to look at the culture within England cricket? Have your say.
