YORKSHIRE have made it clear they will present a staunch defence of their captain Andrew Gale against a reported charge of a racist offence.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has yet to confirm the nature of a hearing expected to take place next Tuesday, and on Wednesday night declined to add to previous statements about the disciplinary process facing Gale.

He 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 this month.

When he was then kept away, at the behest of the ECB, from Yorkshire’s trophy celebrations after they won the title for the 32nd time at Trent Bridge last week, the governing body clarified the situation in a press release.

Amid subsequent reports of a possible racist element to Gale’s remarks, Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon said the club would “do what we can to help him clear his name. The club will help Andrew in any way possible.”

The ECB has so far directed further request for confirmation back to its statement last Friday, which 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.’’ The case appears to 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 vice chairman Robin Smith said: “The club fully supports Andrew Gale and will assist him in his defence of these allegations by ensuring he receives the best possible legal advice.”