"A spectacular failure": Campaign Against Antisemitism slate Essex investigation into former chair

NICK HOWSON: Azeem Akhtar was cleared of wrongdoing following a due diligence process led by law firm Squire Patton Boggs but chose to stand down less than four months into his role at Chelmsford

Essex have been criticised by an anti-Semitism charity for their handling of the investigation into former chair Azeem Akhtar's social media activity.

Azeem was cleared of wrongdoing following a due diligence process led by law firm Squire Patton Boggs but chose to stand down less than four months into his role at Chelmsford.

The investigation found "no evidence of anti-Semitism or racism" and his actions "supportive of the Islamic faith and beliefs as opposed to being antisemitic or indicating any other forms of racism".

Just days after Azeem was installed as chair in November 2022 he was forced to step aside after the Jewish Chronicle made revelations around his social media history.

He was found to have 'liked' several posts which Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said "breach the International Definition of Antisemitism".

The tweets in question included one post which read: "Comparing Israel with Nazis is not antisemitic. In fact, many Jewish people have done so themselves." 

One more remarking "Zionism has very little connection with Judaism but very close relationship with fascism and white supremacy (sic)," was also liked by the account belonging to Azeem.

Several other posts by anti-Zionist rapper Lowkey were also flagged as part of the Jewish Chronicle investigation.

On Monday (February 20), Essex confirmed the departure of Azeem after an investigation lasting over two months, adding they were "sorry to announce his resignation" and praised his "integrity" shown during the inquiry.

Accompanying confirmation of his decision to stand down permanently, Azeem cited the impact the scrutiny had had on himself and his family. "This has taken a toll on us, and I am determined to do justice to my other professional and personal commitments," he added.

The conclusion to the episode has provoked an angry reaction from the CAA, who have accused Essex of failing the Jewish community and missing an opportunity "to tell people that Jews matter in the world of cricket".

"Several of the tweets 'liked' by Azeem Akhtar breach the International Definition of Antisemitism," a spokesperson told The Cricketer.

"Comparisons between Israel and Nazis and comments about the 'Zionist lobby' are indefensible regardless, but in light of recent high-profile controversies relating to antisemitism in cricket, these tweets feel that much more odious.

"This investigation could have been an opportunity to tell people that Jews matter in the world of cricket. Disappointingly, this wasn't the case.

"The findings of this investigation are not only a spectacular failure of the Essex county cricket club, but to portray Mr Akhtar's endorsement of these tweets as merely being 'supportive of the Islamic faith' is insulting to both Jews and Muslims.

"Additionally, the fact that Mr Akhtar took it upon himself to resign speaks volumes, and one might say that the club is out hit wicket."

Essex declined to comment on the charity’s remarks.