An Oxfordshire Cricket player who used a racist word at a match last month was given a six-week ban following an investigation.

A disciplinary panel conducted on June 2 ruled the player could not take part in any England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) matches until July 14.

The ban relates to a racist word written by the player during a men’s first 11 National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) T20 match between Berkshire County Cricket Club and Oxfordshire Cricket club on May 1.

READ MORE: Oxford University 'shouldn't use Lord's cricket ground'

While the offence would usually carry a season long sanction, it was mitigated for several reasons, including the player’s early admission of guilt and his involvement in leagues beyond the NCCA.

Oxford Mail: The incident involved a player for Oxfordshire Cricket club

A spokesman from Oxfordshire Cricket said: “The offence carries a season long sanction, which was mitigated through the player’s early admission of guilt, unreserved apology to those engaged in the match, mandatory training and lack of intent to cause offence.

READ MORE: Didcot: Heavy floods caused by COUNCIL grass cuttings

“The player acknowledged that despite the lack of any intent, the harm caused was significant - bringing himself, his club and the wider game of cricket into disrepute.

“The panel recognised that the player involved plays in leagues beyond the NCCA and that the imposed sanction has effect upon those additional leagues also, as such the sanction was subject to a proportionate reduction.

“Taking into account matches already served on suspension, the player is banned from all ECB affiliated cricket until July 14, 2023.”

The incident came before the long-awaited release of a damning report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) yesterday (June 27) which concluded that racism, sexism and elitism are widespread within the sport.

READ MORE: Council admits safety fears over King Alfred's walking route

The report received evidence from more than 4,000 respondents. 

The ICEC has made 44 recommendations, including that the ECB makes an unreserved public apology for its failings.

Oxfordshire Cricket said it welcomed the report and would 'read and fully digest the findings and recommendations' over the coming days.

A statement said: "This is a time when cricket as a sport needs to come together, to listen, reflect, and act in order to work together to make cricket truly a sport for all. 

"Oxfordshire Cricket are fully committed to making cricket a game for everyone and the sport of choice in Oxfordshire. 

"There is no place for discrimination in our game and the wider society and we acknowledge that there is a long way to go.

"Over the coming months, we welcome the opportunity to engage fully in the ECB consultation process in order to make cricket truly accessible to all."