Yorkshire head coach investigated over “antisemitic” tweet  

Andrew Gale, the Yorkshire head coach, is being investigated over a tweet that has been deemed antisemitic.

In November 2010, after an exchange of messages on Twitter with Paul Dews, the current Head of Communications at Middlesbrough Football Club, Mr Gale tweeted: “Thought you might pipe up! Button it yid!” in a now-deleted tweet uncovered by Jewish News.

Mr Gale said of the incident: “This post is part of a conversational thread between Paul Dews and myself. Paul worked for Leeds United Football Club at the time and I am an avid Huddersfield Town fan. The reference is to a chant that was prevalent at the time in relation to Leeds fans. Within a few minutes of the post, Paul called me and explained the meaning of the word and that it was offensive to Jews. I was completely unaware of this meaning and removed the post immediately”

“I would never have used the word had I been aware of its offensive meaning and I have never used it since.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We strongly condemn any form of discrimination and have procedures in place to address conduct which is alleged to be of this nature. We will investigate as part of our disciplinary process.”