A victim of politics? South Africa U19 national team captain is suspended over pro-Israel views

South Africa U19 national team captain David Teeger has been suspended for the home World Cup, the Daily Mail reports.

Teeger, who was honoured as a Jewish Rising Star last year, commenting on the award, supported the Israeli Armed Forces in the current conflict against the Palestinian army.

"Yes, I've been awarded this award, and yes, I am now the rising star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel.

So I'd like to dedicate this award to the South African family that married off one son whilst the other is still missing. And I'd like to dedicate it to the state of Israel and to every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora," said Tiger.

South Africa's governing body of professional and amateur cricket decided on the basis of security advice to suspend Teeger from the junior national team, reasoning that the young player's comments could lead to violence between rival groups of protesters.

"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 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," Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

Star journalist Piers Morgan reacted harshly to this decision by the South African team managers.

"WTF!? Have they sacked him because he’s Jewish? This is shameful moral cowardice by Cricket South Africa.," tweeted Morgan.

It is worth recalling that South Africa accused Israel of genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza a few weeks ago. Also, South Africa filed a UN court with a call to stop the attacks of the Jewish state. In Israel, all accusations from South Africa have been called “slander”.

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The U19 World Cup will be held from 19 January to 11 February 2024 in South Africa. Cricket South Africa claim Teeger remains in the squad for the tournament.