Reactions to David Teeger getting sacked as U-19 South Africa captain after pro-Israeli comments

Last Updated on 10 hours 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.

Reactions against CSA’s decision:

A Jew has been dropped as captain of South Africa’s Under 19 cricket team because of threats made by antisemites

If you were ever in any doubt about what folk would do if Nazis came for the Jews again – this is it

They will give in to the racist bullies and sacrifice the Jews

— leekern (@leekern13) January 12, 2024

If you can’t guarantee someone’s safety because they will be targeted by racists, you need to either remove the racists or if you can’t do that, don’t hold the event at all.

This is absolutely unacceptable.

— Richard Whiting (@richwhiting) January 12, 2024

Appalling decision by Cricket South Africa to strip David Teeger of SAU19 captaincy supposedly because of security concerns. As per their statement it is their duty to safeguard their players and any agitation against the captain should have been firmly resisted.

— Colin Bryden (@colinbryden1) January 12, 2024

“Anti-apartheid” South Africa – just started practicing Anti-Jew apartheid. The Jewish captain of the Under 19 cricket team has been removed from the captaincy for the crime of being a Jew. https://t.co/DsaWTKoqGH

— Abhijit Iyer-Mitra (@Iyervval) January 12, 2024

Deeply, deeply shocking
South Africa (rainbow nation and moral titan at the International Court of Justice) has just sacked its under-19 cricket captain because he’s Jewish.
You read that right https://t.co/XFiXVsOlti

— Francis Harris (@fharris2011) January 12, 2024

I supported Usman Khawaja’s right to express his views.

I similarly support David Teeger’s right to express his views.

Teeger being removed for his views and (let’s face it) for being a Jew is unacceptable. https://t.co/erDPf9U80G

— Kevin Yam 任建峰 (@kevinkfyam) January 12, 2024

The Hamas-supporting Palestinian Solidarity Alliance complained about David Teeger – the S African U19 cricket captain – over his support for Israel. They have the right to do so.
But the response of Cricket South Africa is shocking. Having first subjected him to an inquisition… pic.twitter.com/mpkM1H6a0U

— Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) January 12, 2024

When you give into cowards that threaten David Teeger because of his religion and beliefs instead of standing behind one of the best youth cricketers in South Africa. Cricket South Africa continues to showcase how absolutely atrocious they are. pic.twitter.com/kRvCjEhIQF

— Ngamla Gouws 🇿🇦 (@RenaldoGouws) January 12, 2024

Shame on you, Cricket SA and @LawsonNaidoo for dropping U19 captain, David Teeger. It is your duty to protect your players, not cast them aside because there are threats to them. Cowardly and unprincipled.

— Anton Harber (@AntonHarber) January 12, 2024

Reactions in support of CSA’s decision:

David Teeger’s Jewishness has nothing to do with him being stripped of the captaincy. Anyone who suggests that is heaping fuel on an already volatile flame. Please think before you leap to dangerous conclusions.

— Daniel Gallan (@danielgallan) January 12, 2024

Before CSA gets accused of all sorts of things, please understand the background.
Teeger has openly expressed support for the Zionist regime and the work of the IDF.

CSA is NOT anti-semitic. Neither is South Africa. Judaism does not equal Zionism. https://t.co/iyTmrSfjzU

— 🇿🇦🇿🇦 Sabeeha Majid 🏏 (@SabeehaMajid) January 12, 2024

What’s your view on a national sports captain using their profile to endorse a military committing human rights violations and potential genocide?

— Seán Muller (@sean_m_muller) January 12, 2024

in cricket when you’re a captain of a national team your literally representing your county and you don’t go against your governments stance on policies its as simple as it gets

— Rasheed (@Muh__Maaz) January 13, 2024

David Teeger showed his support for Israel who are literally committing genocide against Palestinians. Surely there shouldn’t be an issue with him being stripped of his SOUTH AFRICAN CAPTAINCY???? I am not sure what the problem is! Our captains should be inspirations, leaders!

— Ryan Gordon (@RyanDG11) January 12, 2024

If it were up to me David Teeger wouldn’t even be playing in the tournament. If he wants to spread an Israeli nationalist movement, playing cricket for South Africa is the wrong place to be

— Lloyd🇿🇦 (@Lloydbhudda) January 12, 2024