Yorkshire have vowed to defend captain Andrew Gale against a reported charge of a racist offence.
The 30-year-old batsman was banned for his team's final two LV= County Championship matches of the season, under mandatory disciplinary procedure, following his on-field spat with Lancashire batsman Ashwell Prince at the start of the month.
Gale was then kept away from the county’s Division One title celebrations, prompting the ECB to reveal he was facing possible disciplinary action, but it has yet to confirm the nature of the hearing.
Following subsequent reports of a possible racist element to Gale's remarks, Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon has stated the club's intention to defend him.
He told the Yorkshire Post: "We are going to do what we can to help him clear his name. The club will help Andrew in any way possible."
The ECB has failed to offer further details of the disciplinary procedure following its statement last Friday.
It read: "After an incident at the recent LV=CC match between Lancashire and Yorkshire, the England and Wales Cricket Board made a formal complaint to the cricket discipline commission (CDC) about the conduct of the Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale.
"On receipt of this complaint, the CDC has decided to convene a disciplinary panel hearing to consider the matter.
"The ECB will not make any further comment until the disciplinary process is concluded."
Recent reports suggest the case will centre on Gale's alleged use of the term 'Kolpak', in a heated exchange with Prince - and whether it can be construed as racist.
A 'Kolpak' cricketer is one born overseas, but free to play on a domestic contract under the laws of the European Union.
Yorkshire have confirming that Colin Graves will take no part in the administration of the disciplinary procedure - because of the potential conflict of his roles as club chairman and ECB deputy chairman.
The club’s vice-chairman Robin Smith and chief executive Mark Arthur will therefore take that responsibility.