Prince did not consider Gale comment to be racist

ashwellprince

Gale was punished with a two-match suspension for allegedly using a racist comment against the South African batsman during Yorkshire's County Cricket fixture against Lancashire earlier this month.

The ban meant Gale was unable to participate in Yorkshire's innings and 152-run victory over Nottinghamshire that secured them their first County title since 2001.

Gale could find himself in more hot water after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) opened disciplinary proceedings against the 30-year-old.

However, Prince - who scored 11 centuries in 66 Tests for South Africa - stated that he was not the one to initiate a complaint.

"I took offence at the way he spoke to me. To be quite honest, I didn't stand there and think that might be a racial slur," he told Ballz radio.

"The guy walked towards me and had a go and I defended myself. The ECB feel it has racial connotations and it's up to them to do whatever they want to do."

Prince has denied that he started the confrontation with Gale, but admitted to employing time-wasting tactics.

"I didn't say anything," he added. "I was stood in the middle of the pitch as it was coming to cut-off time, they were bowling two spinners and wanted to bowl as many overs as possible.

"Obviously, the experienced player I am, I was stood in the middle of the pitch tying up my thigh pad and taking as long as possible to make sure there would only be one more over.

"He's taken offence to this - it's a ploy of time wasting, I'll admit this but everyone who has ever played the game has done it, it's nothing new - and he's come from backward point to silly point, walking in my direction, and hurled a whole lot of abuse at me.

"Those who know me and those who have played against me know I will not tolerate that type of thing. I defended myself and whatever was said, was said."

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