Ollie Robinson faces fine and ban over controversial tweets from 2012 despite dream debut

England fast-bowler Ollie Robinson could face hefty punishment over his old racist and sexist Tweets. According to Daily Mail, England Cricket Board (ECB) could impose a fine or a ban or combination of two on Robinson after completion of first Test match against New Zealand. Earlier, ECB chief executive Tom Harrison had expressed disappointment over Robinson's tweets, saying "We have a zero-tolerance stance to any form of discrimination and re are rules in place that handle conduct of this nature". report suggests that Robinson might be dropped from England squad for second Test match against Kiwis, starting June 10. 

According to report, ECB is making plans to add an extra pacer to squad so Robinson could be replaced in second Test match. Lancashire’s Saqib Mahmood and Durham bowler Brydon Carse are players who could replace Robinson in playing XI. Meanwhile, Robinson has had a dream debut for England, taking a four-wicket haul in first innings and scoring crucial 42 runs for team, second only to centurion Rory Burns. Before end of play on Day 4, Robinson took key wickets of New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and debutant Devon Conway, who scored a double-century in first innings. 

Robinson apologises

Robinson's racist and sexist tweets, which date back to 2012, came to light during his Test debut on Wednesday. After his old posts became viral, Robinson issued an apology. "On biggest day of my career so far, I am embarrassed by racist and sexist tweets that I posted over eight years ago, which have today become public. I want to make it clear that I'm t racist and I'm t sexist. I deeply regret my actions, and I am ashamed of making such remarks", Robinson was quoted as saying by ECB.

It so happened that England and New Zealand players had shared a ‘Moment of Unity’ before start of Lord's Test in order to condemn racism in society. Hours later, Robinson's old tweets came to light, embarrassing ECB and everyone else involved in show of anti-racism gesture. 

(Im Credit: AP)