Michael Vaughan cleared of racism

But cases proven against five stars

- Lucy Thornton

CRICKET legend Michael Vaughan has been cleared of using racist language towards ex-team-mate Azeem Rafiq.

The Ashes-winning former England captain had been accused of making a derogatory comment towards a group of fellow Yorkshire players in 2009.

Vaughan, 48, categorically denied using racist language after he was accused of saying to the group: "There's too many of you lot - we need to have a word about that."

He was cleared "on the balance of probabilities" after differing witness accounts.

But allegations against five other former players at Yorkshire were found proven.

A panel upheld some charges against Tim Bresnan, John Blain, Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Gale, and Richard Pyrah.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club and former player Gary Ballance, who were also accused of racism, had already pleaded guilty to all charges against them.