This week, professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq disclosed that a former teammate frequently referred to him with a derogatory term.

Surprisingly, the player who used this language initially faced no disciplinary measures, as Yorkshire County Cricket Club characterized the incidents as ‘friendly banter.’

They reportedly added: ‘The Panel does not accept that Azeem was offended by (the other player’s) comments, either at the time they were made or subsequently.’

Can the use of such language ever be excused or considered acceptable simply because it was framed as ‘banter’?”

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