UK media personality Piers Morgan has reacted to Cricket SA relieving David Teeger as U19 captain for the World Cup.
Images via X: @piersmorgan/ @officialproteas
‘Shameful, cowardice’: Piers Morgan reacts to Cricket SA ‘relieving’ captain David Teeger
UK media personality Piers Morgan has accused Cricket SA of being ‘cowards’ after it relieved captain David Teeger amid concerns.
UK media personality Piers Morgan has reacted to Cricket SA relieving David Teeger as U19 captain for the World Cup.
Images via X: @piersmorgan/ @officialproteas
Outspoken media personality Piers Morgan has weighed into the debate about Cricket South Africa’s decision to “relieve” U19 captain David Teeger ahead of the World Cup. This, after the Jewish athlete courted controversy for his comments relating to the Israel and Gaza conflict.
According to a statement issued by CSA, the move was made to reduce the “risk of conflict or violence” amongst protestors at the tournament.
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CRICKET SA ISSUE STATEMENT ON DAVID TEEGER
In a statement issued on Friday, 12 January, Cricket SA claimed that it had removed David Teeger as captain amid safety concerns. South Africa was given the last-minute option to host the U19 Cricket World Cup, which kicks off on 19 January.
According to “risk and safety updates,” CSA acknowledged that protests relating to the Israel and Gaza conflict were likely to happen at various venues during the tournament.
As a result, Teegan – a Jew who has praised Israeli fighters – was essentially removed as captain of the squad.
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The statement shared: “In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of his captaincy for the tournament. This is in the best interest of all the players, the SA U19 team, and David himself.
It continued: “David will remain an important and active member of the squad, and we wish him and the team every success in the tournament.”
CSA added that David Teeger’s successor for the World Cup would be announced soon.
WHAT DID DAVID TEEGER SAY ABOUT THE CONFLICT?
David Teeger made headlines late last year after his acceptance speech at the Absa Jewish Achiever Rising Star Awards.
He said: “Yes, I’ve been (given) this award, and, yes, I’m now the Rising Star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel.”
Teeger’s comments were met with backlash. However, he insisted that he made them in his personal capacity.
The 19-year-old was also cleared by an independent inquiry – instructed by CSA -which ruled that his comments did not contravene any codes of conduct.
PIERS MORGAN – AND SA TWEEPS – SPEAK OUT
Meanwhile, Cricket SA’s statement has set off mixed reactions among South Africans. While some have hailed the move as “bullying” of David Teeger, others are celebrating the body’s stance amid the conflict.
Wading in on the X platform was UK personality Piers Morgan, who expressed his shock and anger at the news.
He tweeted: “WTF!? Have they sacked him because he’s Jewish? This is shameful moral cowardice by Cricket South Africa”.
Morgan – who is known for his unpopular opinions – was criticised for weighing into the sensitive debate.
