In the case of Mr I Dews and others v Yorkshire County Cricket Club an employment judge has ruled that former head coach, Andrew Gale, and five other former members of Yorkshire’s staff had a “well founded” case and said the matter will now move on to what remedies can be agreed or imposed. Gale made his legal claim alongside second-team coach Ian Dews, bowling coach Rich Pyrah, academy lead Richard Damms and strength and conditioning coaches Ian Fisher and Peter Sim.
Former batter Gale spent his entire career at Yorkshire, first as a player after making his debut in 2004, then as captain between 2009 and 2016 before ending his playing career at the age of 32 to take up the head coach role.
He was suspended – as part of an investigation into a tweet he sent in 2010 – before he was sacked on 3 December. Gale also lost his post with Headingley-based The Hundred side Northern Superchargers when his contract was not renewed.
Sixteen employees were sacked in early December 2021 as part of a rebuild at Headingley triggered by Rafiq’s accusations of institutional racism at the club. Gale says he supported Rafiq and he even invited him to his family home for dinner on several occasions during their time together at Yorkshire, but admits they did differ over team selection decisions.
‘My differences of opinion with him only related to cricket matters and not race or religion,’ said Gale.
The judge said in a brief judgment: “The claimants’ complaints of unfair dismissal are well founded.”
She added: “Remedy and any other complaints proceed to hearing unless otherwise resolved.”
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