YORKSHIRE captain Andrew Gale has described the last month as one of the toughest times in his career.

Gale was handed a two-match ban by the ECB following a verbal altercation with Ashwell Prince in a Roses match at the start of last month, although the board hinted at further punishment.

As well as missing the last two matches of the 2014 season, he was also prevented from lifting the LV= County Championship trophy and levelled with a racism charge, which he vehemently denied.

That charge was dropped by the ECB last week, although he accepted a charge of improper conduct and a further two-match ban, taking in the champion county match at Abu Dhabi in March and the first Championship match of 2015.

Gale said: “At a time when it should have been one of the happiest times of my career, it’s turned out to be the toughest time.

“I am not a racist, and that tag was what hurt me most throughout the whole process.

“I have coached cricketers all over the world, and the work that I’ve done within the Yorkshire community and charities backs that up.

That’s why it hurt so much.

“There were times when I didn’t want to leave the house after been branded a racist, but my family showed me great support that helped me through.

“I regret the way in which I reacted that day, and I have always prided myself on being a role model to my fellow pro’s and all young cricketers I coach, particularly the one I coach with Pro Coach Cricket Academy.

“I’d like to think that I have always played the game hard but fair, and I always endeavour to play every game to win.

“I am still immensely proud of what we have achieved this season, and I hope the whole situation hasn’t detracted from Yorkshire’s success this season.

“YCCC were brilliant throughout the whole process, particularly (chief executive) Mark Arthur.”