Essex chairman John Faragher resigns with immediate effect over a historical allegation of using racist language in a board meeting.
Faragher strongly denies the allegation but Essex say they will investigate why the matter was not fully and independently investigated at the time.
He stood down from his post following a board meeting on Thursday.
“There is no place for discrimination of any kind at the club,” chief executive John Stephenson said.
Former Essex opener Stephenson, who only took over the day-to-day running of the county in October, said he first found out about the alleged incident this week.
“I was made aware of this single allegation on Thursday,” he added.
“The Board met last night [Thursday] during which John Faragher’s resignation was unanimously accepted.
“This is a proud club with a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and any form of discrimination. I will not hesitate to uphold those principles and drive out any form of discrimination that is uncovered.”
More to follow.