With the Emerald Group withdrawing their support for all clubs associated with the Headingley cricket, rugby union and rugby league teams, another sponsor has spoken out.
Tetley’s Beer has been a longstanding sponsor of the Leeds rugby league, union and cricket sides, but has spoken out about recent events regarding the investigation by the Yorkshire County Cricket Club to not take disciplinary action against those accused of racism by ex-player Azeem Rafiq.
Tetley’s, which sponsored the Challenge Cup between 2013 and 2014, has given out a statement on their social media, outlining that they will not be punishing the Rhinos or Carnegie for the actions of the cricketing club.
“As a brand we strive to be inclusive and to work with partners that share these values. We are deeply saddened by the ongoing conversation surrounding Yorkshire County Cricket Club following the recent investigation and report, (1/4)
“and firmly believe further decisive action is required. As such, we have informed Yorkshire Country Cricket Club of our intention to not extend our official beer sponsorship with them beyond the end of the current contractual agreement. (2/4)
“Discussions with the relevant parties remain ongoing given we have a valued 25-year relationship with Headingley Stadium and Leeds Rhinos, which also includes the recent addition of our brand sponsorship of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. (3/4)
“We are proud of our investment in sport in Leeds through these partners and do not want the actions of one club to impact on others. (4/4)”
As a brand we strive to be inclusive and to work with partners that share these values. We are deeply saddened by the ongoing conversation surrounding Yorkshire County Cricket Club following the recent investigation and report, (1/4)
— Tetley's Beer (@TetleysBeer) November 3, 2021
and firmly believe further decisive action is required.
As such, we have informed Yorkshire Country Cricket Club of our intention to not extend our official beer sponsorship with them beyond the end of the current contractual agreement. (2/4)— Tetley's Beer (@TetleysBeer) November 3, 2021
Discussions with the relevant parties remain ongoing given we have a valued 25-year relationship with Headingley Stadium and Leeds Rhinos, which also includes the recent addition of our brand sponsorship of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. (3/4)
— Tetley's Beer (@TetleysBeer) November 3, 2021
We are proud of our investment in sport in Leeds through these partners and do not want the actions of one club to impact on others. (4/4)
— Tetley's Beer (@TetleysBeer) November 3, 2021
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