Mixing politics and sports? David Teeger relieved of South Africa U19 captaincy for 'security threats' related to his remarks on Gaza situation

[MenInG]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have relieved David Teeger from captaincy of their Under-19 side ahead of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 following security advice regarding the position of the player on the Gaza-Israel conflict.

The replacement will be announced in due course. Teeger, who has impressed at junior level, scoring 159 runs for South Africa Emerging in the CSA Provincial Challenge Division Two recently, will remain part of the squad and contest in the tournament.

ICC

==

Statement from CSA:

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is honoured to have been named by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as hosts of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup which commences on 19 January. This decision was only taken in November last year after the original hosts, Sri Lanka, were suspended by the ICC, leaving us with little time to make all the necessary preparations.

As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament.

We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 (SA U19) captain, David Teeger, and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.

CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators.

In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy for the tournament. This is in the best interests of all the players, the SA U19 team and David himself.

David will remain an important and active member of the squad and we wish him and the team every success in the tournament. The newly appointed captain will be announced in due course.

 

[MenInG]

Is this really the case? security?

 

[MenInG]

Some background:

South Africa have stripped U19 captain David Teeger of his duties a week before the start of a home World Cup after he made comments in support of Israel.

Teeger was set to lead the hosts’ age-group side at the tournament, which begins on 19 January.

However Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that he had been removed from the role on Friday, with the organisation bracing themselves for protests around the tournament that could “result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors”.

Teeger, who will remain part of the squad as a player, had reportedly dedicated an award he received in October to Jewish soliders, who he described as the “true rising stars” amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” CSA said in a statement.

Independent

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

This comes from a country who a advocates #BLM and stands by it in every situation. If Khawaja is fined, this bloke deserved too.

 

[MenInG]

This comes from a country who a advocates #BLM and stands by it in every situation. If Khawaja is fined, this bloke deserved too.

Wonder if he was removed because of his views or for security reasons?

 

[Mainul]

Humm. I don't like him now.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

This comes from a country who a advocates #BLM and stands by it in every situation. If Khawaja is fined, this bloke deserved too.

Khawaja was fine for making a political statement while playing the game.

This guy dedicated a trophy to Jewish soldiers after the match?

Also, this was way back in October.

CSA could have avoided appointing him captain in the first place instead of this needless controversy.

Blame goes to CSA alone for their incompetence

 

[chinaman00]

They have done well removing him for his genocidal views. Unfortunately, the CSA is too timid to take a stronger action against these agitators.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Sorry but this young man is entitled to his views like the rest of us. We may disagree but he is entitled to show support to Israel just as much as Rizwan mentions Gaza.

If South Africa removed him because they feel his views arent acceptable given their anti-genocide stance then it makes sense. You cant have a national team captain with such contrary opinions.

If they removed him because of security then its frankly pathetic. He is a kid and should be protected. The Pro - Palestine protestors should direct their attention to more important people than a teenager.

 

[ahmadharis1]

I disagree with his views 100% but he shouldn't have been removed from captaincy

 

[sweep_shot]

Very good from South Africa. They should pick a captain who doesn't support genocide.

 

[MenInG]

Poll added.

Simple question.

 

[Devadwal]

What if he was dedicated his awards for hamas instead of Israel??

Btw it good for him to remove from captaincy as he can be Targeted by some people's who don't like his vew.

 

[sweep_shot]

I generally do not have an issue with someone having a controversial political view.

But, there are certain redlines. Israeli genocide of Gaza civilians is one of those redlines. So, I fully support South African decision to strip him off captaincy.

 

[SM1989]

Sad he didn’t lose his place in the team either.

 

[shamaan]

What if he was dedicated his awards for hamas instead of Israel??

Btw it good for him to remove from captaincy as he can be Targeted by some people's who don't like his vew.

whos Hammas ?

 

[YousafTheBeast]

What if he was dedicated his awards for hamas instead of Israel??

Btw it good for him to remove from captaincy as he can be Targeted by some people's who don't like his vew.

Why Hamas, why not Palestine?

You think a country that’s faced apartheid itself will be in favour of Israeli’s genocide of Palestine?

Majority of the South African’s support Palestine, the only ones who don’t come from families of colonisers.

 

[Devadwal]

Other point is if South Africa can not provided security for their captain then they should not held the world cup either.
David tegger can support anyone he want to support just like other cricket player's already expressed their views.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Fantastic Move by cricket South Africa. MY estimation of the country in general has gone up Alot.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

This is pathetic move.. means nobody can give his opinion in cricket anymore

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has said it has dropped David Teeger as captain of its Under-19 side because of security concerns following comments he made about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

But Jewish leaders have called the move an "outrageous act of antisemitism".

Teeger, who is Jewish, came under criticism after being quoted last October as praising Israeli soldiers.

CSA said it was worried about protests and violence during the upcoming U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

It said Teeger's removal as captain was in the "best interests" of all parties.

"We have... been advised that [protests] are likely to focus on the position of the Under-19 captain David Teeger and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors," read a statement from CSA.

It said it was acting on "expert advice".

Teeger, 19, is set to remain a member of the South African Under-19 World Cup squad and a new captain is yet to be announced.

But the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) criticised the move as "shameful".

"There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish," read a statement issued by SAJBD national chairperson Karen Milner.

"This is not the first time that Jews have been excluded from sporting bodies in our history. The SAJBD will do everything in its power to fight against this vicious prejudice."

Teeger had previously been cleared of any wrongdoing by CSA, following an inquiry into whether he had violated its code of conduct.

Following Teeger's initial comments in October, the Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA) lodged a complaint with CSA stating that Teeger's views were a "provocative and inflammatory political statement".

CSA subsequently appointed advocate Wim Trengove to determine whether Teeger had violated its code of conduct. The inquiry cleared Teeger of any wrongdoing.

"The Constitutional Court has made the point that the right to freedom of expression does not protect hate speech, but emphasised that the expression of unpopular or even offensive beliefs does not constitute hate speech," Trengove wrote.

Trengove added that while Teeger's comments may have been offensive to some, his views are shared by others within the country and did not violate South African law nor the CSA code of conduct.

Relations between South Africa and Israel have been severely strained over recent months following the start of the war in Gaza.

Israel says it is trying to eliminate Hamas, which launched an attack on Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,300 people and taking some 240 others back to Gaza as hostages.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than 23,350 people - mostly women and children - have been killed by Israel in the war.

South Africa has filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is engaging in "genocidal acts" in the conflict.

Israel has responded by stating that South Africa has presented "a sweeping counter-factual description" of events to the ICJ.

The Under-19 World Cup in South Africa runs from 19 January to 11 February, when the final will be played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

Source : BBC

 

[Stewie]

Khawaja was fine for making a political statement while playing the game.

This guy dedicated a trophy to Jewish soldiers after the match?

Also, this was way back in October.

CSA could have avoided appointing him captain in the first place instead of this needless controversy.

Blame goes to CSA alone for their incompetence

I fail to see how the latter is also not a political statement. Every country’s army follows the political agenda of its country. If one dedicates his/her award to the Russian army, I’m guessing we should be ok with that gesture as well going by your logic

 

[Stewie]

Well we have established a yard stick so use it. I dont have to agree with it but lets be fair. If Usman was penalized so should this guy.

 

[JattMaula]

South Africans are empathetic to plight of Palestinians.

And unlike Usman, this kid wasn't diplomatic in his clumsy support for Israel.

His SA career is over. I bet he migrates to Eng/Australia in near future.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I fail to see how the latter is also not a political statement. Every country’s army follows the political agenda of its country. If one dedicates his/her award to the Russian army, I’m guessing we should be ok with that gesture as well going by your logic

As long as it's not on the cricket pitch , ICC should not punish anyone supporting Russia either.

 

[Stewie]

As long as it's not on the cricket pitch , ICC should not punish anyone supporting Russia either.

That is just splitting hair. They dont want the game politicized. If you dont say something on the ground but say it during the award ceremony, somehow that makes it ok or its different and acceptable? How much sense does that make?

 

[ahmadharis1]

This is pathetic move.. means nobody can give his opinion in cricket anymore

Agreed, let the guy express his opinion this shouldn't be an issue

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Removed for supporting genociders a good decision in my opinion.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

That is just splitting hair. They dont want the game politicized. If you dont say something on the ground but say it during the award ceremony, somehow that makes it ok or its different and acceptable? How much sense does that make?

It doesn't . But political statements have been made in the award ceremony and not been punished earlier.

Just in the World Cup , we had Afghan captain saying the win over Pakistan was dedicated Afghan refugees who were being sent back from PAK.

Was he punished?

 

[Misia]

Its quite obvious that CSA are worried that something could happen (backlash from certain opposing parties regarding the conflict) so they feel it better to remove him as captain (at least he's not frot and center on field).
also maybe they just want to show the whole world that somone who thinks like that is not what CSA is about and will not be leading from the front

 

[BouncerGuy]

Good decision IMO. There was no need for just a statement being so young. Focus on your game and let the gov handle the political stuff.

 

[MenInG]

One comment on Social Media:

Most nonsensical part of this episode is CSA essentially taking a stance of, "Our intelligence sources indicate that Teeger's safety is assured if he opens the batting & bowls 10 overs, but rioters might storm the field if they see him call heads or tails 30 minutes before play."

 

[BouncerGuy]

One comment on Social Media:

Most nonsensical part of this episode is CSA essentially taking a stance of, "Our intelligence sources indicate that Teeger's safety is assured if he opens the batting & bowls 10 overs, but rioters might storm the field if they see him call heads or tails 30 minutes before play."

He is right. That was funny to be honest. What does it has to do with security if you just remove a guy from captaincy? If he has security concerns, why not keep him safe and not travel with the squad? Drop him and focus on his security rather than just removing him from captaincy.

 

[MenInG]

From SkyCricket:

But the decision caused outrage from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, whose national chair Karen Milner issued an angry response accusing discrimination.

"The decision by Cricket South Africa to relieve David Teeger of his Under-19 captaincy of the World Cup team starting next week in South Africa is an outrageous act of antisemitism," she said.

"There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish. This is not the first time that Jews have been excluded from sporting bodies in our history. The SAJBD will do everything in its power to fight against this vicious prejudice."

Sky Sports News understands that Cricket South Africa is looking into the statement made by Milner. CSA is not commenting at this stage.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

From SkyCricket:

But the decision caused outrage from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, whose national chair Karen Milner issued an angry response accusing discrimination.

"The decision by Cricket South Africa to relieve David Teeger of his Under-19 captaincy of the World Cup team starting next week in South Africa is an outrageous act of antisemitism," she said.

"There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish. This is not the first time that Jews have been excluded from sporting bodies in our history. The SAJBD will do everything in its power to fight against this vicious prejudice."

Sky Sports News understands that Cricket South Africa is looking into the statement made by Milner. CSA is not commenting at this stage.

Stupid decision to make him captain and now a stupid reaction.

Nothing anti-semitic about it. It would've become a PR nightmare for CSA which they , in their utter incompetence, realised only in the nth hour.

It's not like he's being banned from playing cricket

 

[Markhor]

It's simple. You should be free to express your views off the field, but on the field, including at presentation ceremonies, you should refrain from invoking political causes whether it's verbal statements or through clothing.

International cricket captains in particular are ambassadors for their nation and ought to rise above political divisions.

If this kid wishes to take a public stance that he knows damn well is controversial and polarising, then be prepared to accept the consequences.

And for the record, it's embarrassing when Pakistani cricketers openly invoke Islam or talk about how they're dedicating their wins to all Muslims. Two wrongs don't make a right.

 

[deltexas]

Good decision IMO. There was no need for just a statement being so young. Focus on your game and let the gov handle the political stuff.

So does this apply to rizwan and khawaja as well?

Cricketers off the field can post their personal views no issues there. But on the field they have to follow the sporting entity guidelines and that includes awards ceremony and toss and post match briefings.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Piers Morgan is trying to create a new controversy

 

[BouncerGuy]

Jewish Leadership Council calls on ECB to oppose decision to strip South Africa under-19 captain of title

The Jewish Leadership Council has criticised the decision made by Cricket South Africa to strip under-19 player David Teeger of his captaincy.

The JLC has written a letter to Richard Thompson, the chairperson of the England and Wales Cricket Board over what they call a “shameful” decision by CSA.

Teeger was due to lead South Africa’s under-19 side at the tournament, but was removed from his role, with the organisation looking to avoid protests around the tournament that could “result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors”.

The youngster will remain a part of the squad as a player, but had reportedly dedicated an award he received in October to Jewish soldiers, who he described as the “true rising stars” amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In the letter, the JLC says: “The decision was purportedly for his (Teeger’s) own safety citing security concerns. Jewish people around the world have been alarmed to see a rising Jewish sports star singled out in this way due to his identity.

“Yesterday- our colleagues at the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) met with CSA who failed to provide any evidence of security threats or explain why such threats would justify the singling out of a Jewish player for demotion. SAJBD concluded after the meeting that Teeger’s removal was “plain antisemitism”. At the time of rising antisemitism not just here but globally, this sends a signal to Jewish athletes that they may be singled out and discriminated against by their peers.

“As the tournament is due to begin in just a few days. I urge the ECB to speak out against the decision by the CSA and stand with Jewish people around the world against antisemitism. I also ask you to make your concerns directly known to the CSA and the ICC.”
​

SOURCE: The Independent.