VAUGHAN SAYS I AM SO SORRY

• Apology for Azeem’s ‘pain’ • Pressure on BBC to lift ban • Warne’s warning over Smith

FORMER England captain Michael Vaughan has said sorry for the pain suffered by Azeem Rafiq but once again insisted he has never made racist comments during his career.

Vaughan made his comments yesterday during an interview with the BBC, who earlier this week axed him as a pundit from their Ashes coverage over his alleged involvement in the Rafiq scandal.

And his apology has piled pressure on BBC chiefs to reinstate Vaughan in their Test Match Special commentary team.

Vaughan and Yorkshire County Cricket Club have been engulfed in a race storm since ex-player Rafiq told MPs of the ‘inhuman’ treatment he endured during his time at the club.

‘It hurts deeply, hurts me that a player has gone through so much and be treated so badly at the club I love,’ said Vaughan. ‘I have to take some responsibility for that and if in any way shape or form I’m responsible for any his hurt, I apologise for that.’

The 47-year-old, who denied making racist comments during his time at Yorkshire, is now in talks over his future with the BBC, where he is still contracted.

‘I hope next year I can get back working with the team,’ he said. ‘I love being on Test Match Special and hopefully, in time, I get the chance to do it again.’

Vaughan had repeatedly denied claims he referred to Rafiq and three other Asian players as ‘you lot’ before a Yorkshire match in 2009.

Asked if he ever made racist comments during his Yorkshire career, he said: ‘No I didn’t.’