I'm not a racist - Gale

AndrewGale

Gale and Prince exchanged words during the third day's play of Yorkshire's County Championship meeting with Lancashire at Old Trafford.

Gale's abuse of Prince allegedly carried racial connotations, and the 30-year-old was handed a two-match ban by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), causing him to miss the win over Nottinghamshire - which sealed Yorkshire's first County Championship title since 2001 - and the final game of the season against Somerset, which ended in a draw.

On Friday, the ECB handed Gale a further two-match suspension to begin next season, despite Prince stating that he did not feel the verbal volley was of racist nature.

And Gale has since spoken out to defend himself, insisting the allegations are wide of the mark.

"At a time when it should have been one of the happiest times of my career, it's turned out to be the toughest time," he told the Yorkshire Post.

"I am not a racist, and that tag was what hurt me most throughout the whole process.

"There were times when I didn't want to leave the house after being branded a racist, but my family showed me great support that helped me through.

"I regret the way in which I reacted that day and I have always prided myself on being a role model to my fellow pros and all young cricketers I coach.

"I am still immensely proud of what we have achieved this season and I hope the whole situation hasn't detracted from Yorkshire's success."

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