Last Updated on 4 days by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Reactions to David Teeger getting sacked as U19 South Africa captain after pro-Israeli comments | David Teeger removed as captain
Social media has erupted after Cricket South Africa (CSA) stripped David Teeger of the captaincy ahead of the U-19 World Cup which kicks off on January 19. Teeger, who is of Jewish heritage, praised Israeli soldiers fighting in Gaza at an award ceremony for Jewish achievers in October 2023. CSA then decided to remove him of the captaincy due to fears he could be targeted by protestors during the tournament.
“We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” said CSA in a statement.
“We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA 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 protesters.
“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.”
South Africa as a nation is currently underaking a case against Israel at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice. They told judges that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Interestingly, Teeger will remain with the squad which raises questions as to whether there would be any reduction in the threat of violence towards him. Debates were rife on X (formerly Twitter), with some in support of the decision and others against.
Reactions: David Teeger removed as South Africa U-19 captain due to Israel comments
Piers Morgan was particularly vocal of CSA’s decision. “WTF!? Have they sacked him because he’s Jewish? This is shameful moral cowardice by Cricket South Africa,” he tweeted.
Below are some of the reactions both for and against CSA’s move ahead of the World Cup.
