YORKSHIRE have confirmed that they are fully behind Andrew Gale in his fight against a charge of racism from the ECB’s Cricket Disciplinary Commission.

The White Rose skipper has been charged with a racism offence following his part in an incident with Lancashire’s South African batsman Ashwell Prince during the third day of the Roses clash at Emirates Old Trafford.

The episode has cast a shadow over the county’s title celebrations, and if found guilty, it will have serious ramifications for the player and possibly the county game as a whole.

Yorkshire have also revealed that Colin Graves, their chairman and the ECB’s vice chairman, will take no part in the disciplinary proceedings due to an obvious conflict of interest.

Instead, the proceedings will be dealt with by Yorkshire’s vice chairman Robin Smith and their chief executive Mark Arthur.

The county last night released the following statement: “In response to the commencement of disciplinary proceedings against Andrew Gale by the ECB Cricket Disciplinary Commission, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club confirms that it was decided at the outset of this matter that, Colin Graves, in view of the conflict in his two roles as the club chairman and deputy chairman of the ECB, should play no part whatsoever in the conduct of the proceedings, which will be handled by the club’s vice chairman, Robin Smith (a retired solicitor), and by its chief executive, Mark Arthur.”

Robin Smith said: “The club fully supports Andrew Gale and will assist him in his defence of these allegations by ensuring he receives the best possible legal advice.”

The Yorkshire statement added: “The club will make no further statement on the matter until the conclusion of the proceedings.”

Although the ECB have yet to officially confirm the charge of racism, Gale is the first county player to have a racism accusation thrown at him.

Gale has already been banned for the last two Championship matches of the season.