T20 World Cup: ABC presenter Tony Armstrong slams South Africa’s Quinton de Kock over BLM movement stance

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
Camera IconABC sports presenter Tony Armstrong has slammed South Africa’s Quinton de Kock after he refused to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, opting to instead withdraw from a T20 World Cup match. Credit: AAP

ABC sports presenter Tony Armstrong has slammed South Africa’s Quinton de Kock after the Proteas star refused to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement - opting to instead withdraw from a T20 World Cup match.

Speaking on ABC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, Armstrong - a former AFL player and proud Barranbinya man - said the wicketkeeper’s decision was “confounding, confusing and puzzling.”

“We’ve seen sporting teams right around the world start to get behind this movement,” Armstrong said.

“So for him to not do that, all that I think — and this is my own personal opinion — the question has been bubbling in my mind is how racist do you have to be, to not just take a knee and do that in conjunction with your teammates to show support, to even pretend to show support?

“You’ve got to be pretty strong on your conviction not to.”

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Camera IconPlayers were divided amongst kneeling for SA’s clash with Australia. Credit: Supplied

The controversy did not appear to rattle the South Africans, who thrashed the West Indies by eight wickets with 10 balls left to spare on Tuesday night.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who had previously stood with his hands behind his back to distance himself from the BLM movement along with de Kock and batter Heinrich Klaasen, led the way with 1-14 off his four overs.

Nortje and Klaasen obliged with Cricket SA’s new compulsory ruling, which required players to take a knee in order to adopt a “consistent and united stance against racism”, while de Kock pulled out of the match.

“Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to ‘take the knee’ ahead of Tuesday’s game against the West Indies,” CSA said in a statement.

“All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to ‘take the knee’ in a united and consistent stance against racism.

Camera IconMarcus Stoinis and Pat Cummins take a knee prior to play in the T20 World Cup cricket match between Australia and South Africa. Credit: DAVID GRAY/AAPIMAGE

“This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together.

After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the Board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history.

“The Board’s view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facts of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism.

“The Board will await a further report from team management before decision on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup.

“SCA thanks all other Proteas players for agreeing to unite and make such an important public stance against racism.”

Camera IconQuinton de Kock. Credit: Gallo Images/Getty Images,

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma was commended for fronting the media following the T20 victory, when he revealed his teammates were “taken aback” by de Kock’s actions but respected his decision.

“I think obviously as a team we’re obviously surprised and taken aback by the news,” Bavuma said.

“In saying that, Quinton is an adult. He’s a man in his own shoes. We respect his decision. We respect his convictions.”

De Kock is yet to publicly comment on the incident and

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