Gates row rumbles on

The gates' design shows Asian women enjoying a match

Yorkshire have issued a public apology to former player Bob Appleyard in the latest twist to the saga over the new Sir Leonard Hutton gates at Headingley.

The memorial, which has Sir Leonard batting as its centrepiece, also includes a group of Asian women in saris watching from the stands.

Critics believe the design is aimed at being "politically correct" and insist that Sir Leonard's career finished before Britain was a truly multi-racial country.

Appleyard was among those who queried the historical accuracy of the design, prompting the club's chief executive Chris Hassall to question the "racist implications" of his remarks.

But the club has now withdrawn the comment and apologised to the 77-year-old for any "distress" caused.

"No-one could have done more than Bob Appleyard to promote cricket amongst all sections of the Yorkshire community," a club statement read.

Sir Len Hutton: A teammate of Appleyard

"Throughout his cricketing career and down to the present day, Bob Appleyard has been an exemplary supporter of Yorkshire cricket and cricket development for youngsters throughout the county, irrespective of race, colour or creed."

Appleyard did not make his first-class debut until the age of 27, but took 708 wickets between 1950 and 1958 at an average of 15.48.

Varying his bowling between medium pace and off-spin, he had five wickets in an innings on 57 occasions and claimed 10 wickets in a match 17 times.

He was one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year in 1952 and took 31 wickets in nine Tests for England between 1954 and 1956.

Sir Leonard, who died in 1990 aged 74, retired from cricket in 1955 after a distinguished 21-year career which saw him captain Yorkshire and England.

The gates and Headingley's new West Stand will be officially opened by club president Robin Smith on 15 August.

He agreed to perform the ceremony after former Prime Minister John Major, now president of Surrey CCC, pulled out following opposition from former Yorkshire players Geoff Boycott, Fred Trueman and Ray Illingworth.