ECB to conduct social media review of players due to racist tweet row

London:The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will conduct a social media review of England players following the emergence of their historical offensive tweets, in order to address the past issues and remind cricketers of their responsibilities.

The ECB suspended fast bowler Robinson last week from international cricket pending an investigation after his racist and sexist posts from 2012 and 2013 resurfaced online when made his test debut against New Zealand at Lord's.

The 27-year-old apologised for his "thoughtless and irresponsible" tweets and he cannot play for England during the ECB investigation. Robinson on Thursday also said that he will take a short break from cricket.

Meanwhile, tweets from James Anderson, Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan were also shared last week.

'The board therefore agreed to the Executive’s recommendation for a social media review to address any historical issues, remind individuals of their personal responsibilities going forward, and help them learn lessons along the way,' the ECB said in a statement on Saturday.

'The review will be collaborative, and involve other individuals within cricket, including ECB administrators and coaches, as well as players,' it added.

The ECB will now work closely with the PCA, TEPP and EWPP to agree terms of reference, identify independent expertise, and will support those taking part through education and training to complete the process.

The board also said that its decision to review players' social media "would not prevent further disciplinary action" in the future if required and that it was determined to be more inclusive.

Ian Watmore, Chair of the ECB, said the board would investigate players' actions and "sanction them when they fall short".

'As the national governing body, we must steer a path between helping individuals project an inclusive image, educating them on what is expected of them and allowing them the space to express themselves to the public. We must also investigate their actions and sanction them when they fall short,' said Watmore

'The board was unanimous in support of the Executive in the actions taken by them in the last week and agrees with their plans to move the game forward in a spirit of inclusion, education and personal responsibility, whilst addressing those cases which cause most offence head on,' he added.(UNI)