David Teeger Maintains His Stance In Support Of Israel Despite Being Sacked From Captaincy Of South Africa U19 Team
Published - 13 Jan 2024, 03:02 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:25 AM
Cricket South Africa (CSA) removed David Teeger from the captaincy of the Under-19 World Cup team due to his controversial remarks on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite being removed from the captaincy, David Teeger maintained his stance in support of Israel.
David Teeger stirred controversy in South Africa by commending “young soldiers in Israel” during a Jewish event. Following complaints from the Palestine Solidarity Alliance, CSA conducted an inquiry and cleared the teenager later on the grounds of free speech.
Intended To Be A Personal Reflection – David Teeger
In a recent statement, David Teeger admitted that his comments were “naive” and spontaneous. Teeger emphasized that his remarks were an expression of appreciation for the efforts of Israeli soldiers in safeguarding citizens and securing the release of hostages.
“My comments made on 22 October 2023, were an expression of appreciation for the efforts of soldiers who were mobilized to protect the citizens of Israel and to secure the release of the hostages taken by Hamas.”
“Further, the comments I made on acceptance of the award were intended to be a personal reflection and not representative of the position of CSA, the Lions, or any of the teams in which I participate.”
“Having considered the matter further, I appreciate I may have been naive in thinking that this personal reflection would be received as such.”
Following Teeger’s appointment as the skipper of the U-19 squad, pro-Palestinian supporters protested outside Newlands Stadium during the recent Test match between South Africa and India.
My Statements Were Not In Support Of Genocide – David Teeger
David Teeger clarified that his remarks on Israel’s response to the Hamas attack were a personal reflection and not representative of CSA or any teams he is associated with. He said that his comments weren’t in support of genocide or crimes against humanity.
“I regret not giving more consideration to whether my impromptu comments would be scrutinized given my growing prominence in sport or that these comments may be repeated in the media – although I maintain that my comments cannot reasonably be interpreted to be representative of the position of CSA, the Lions or any of the teams in which I participate, and at the time I did not intend or foresee that anyone would interpret the comments in this way.”
“It was therefore hurtful to read that my personal reflection on 22 October 2023, of Israel’s response to the Hamas attack has been equated to supporting genocide or condoning hatred based on race, ethnicity or religion.”
“Thus, my statements were not in support of genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity because in my view Israel is innocent of all these allegations. On the other hand, I accept, that many people and governments, including the South African government, hold an opposing view. Disagreeing in a respectful manner on a contested and emotionally charged matter is a fundamental pillar of our democracy and Constitution. I respect the right of others to disagree with my view on Israel.”
The U-19 Cricket World Cup, originally planned in Sri Lanka, has been relocated to South Africa after the ICC suspended Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in November. India will be the defending champions in the tournament, which is scheduled to commence on January 19.
South Africa is set to face the West Indies, England, and Scotland in the league stage of the tournament. All three matches of the hosts will be played in Potchefstroom. The tournament will also take place in other locations, including Benoni, Kimberley, and East London.
Also read: U19 World Cup 2024: South Africa Remove David Teeger From Captaincy Over Pro-Israel Remarks
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David Teeger ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2024 South Africa U19 Team Pakistan U19 vs South Africa U19
