Sidebottom later posted an apology on Twitter, saying: “I’m truly sorry for any offence caused earlier by my words on @skysportsnews @SkyCricket.

“We should never forget, we must learn. I never meant to say forget. My choice of words were wrong, and an honest mistake. Here’s what I meant.

“I disagree wholeheartedly with discrimination and fully support all investigations and actions surrounding any racial abuse at Yorkshire CCC.

“In my interview with Sky Sports News I used the word ‘forget’. This is not what I meant. I didn’t mean that the situation should be forgotten about, on the contrary, it must never be forgotten. It was a poor choice of words.

“It is crucial that the club, and sport as a whole, learns and adapts to create a truly inclusive environment for all, at all levels. I apologise for any offence caused.

“I am now focused on supporting the playing group at Yorkshire CCC on the pitch.”

Sidebottom, who began and ended his playing career at Headingley, winning three County Championships, was appointed as interim coach at Yorkshire alongside former England team-mate Steve Harmison.

The England and Wales Cricket Board’s investigation into Rafiq’s allegations Yorkshire’s handling of the case in ongoing.