England captain Heather Knight handed suspended fine over 2012 racist photo

England women’s cricket captain Heather Knight has received a reprimand and a suspended fine of 1,000 pounds after admitting to a charge related to a 2012 social media post, according to England’s Cricket Regulator on Monday.

The post in question featured Knight in blackface at a fancy dress party held at a cricket club in Kent. The image in question had recently resurfaced on social media and was considered offensive and a violation of the ECB’s directive 3.3, which covers “acts or omissions prejudicial to the interests of cricket or likely to bring cricket or cricketers into disrepute.”

Despite the breach, the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) clarified that Knight’s actions were without “racist or discriminatory intent.”

“The independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) has issued its sanctions decision in relation to Heather Knight after she was charged over a non-recent photograph which appeared on social media.”

“Ms Knight admitted a breach of ECB Directive 3.3 which stated at the time of the offence in 2012*: “No such person may conduct himself in a manner or do any act or omission which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket or any Cricketer or group of Cricketers into disrepute.” read the statement from the CDC.

What did Knight say about fine?
At the time of the incident, Heather Knight was 21 years old and has since apologised, acknowledging her naivety. She emphasised that there was no malicious intent behind her actions and expressed regret for any offense caused.

“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012. It was wrong, and I have long regretted it. Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill-intent meant. Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game ensuring underrepresented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have,” said Knight in a media release.

The 33-year-old Knight was appointed as the captain in 2016 and will be leading the team in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.