SA in Australia

'Racist' spectator prosecuted

2009-01-19 22:00

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Morne Morkel (Gallo Images)

Christo Buchner

Sydney. – Cricket Australia (CA) are set to make an example of a spectator who directed a racist slur at Morné Morkel.

CA have already laid a formal complaint with the police in Tasmania after the spectator abused Morkel during Sunday’s second one-day international at the Bellerive Oval.

“We’ll ensure that there is proper action against him so that an example can be made to deter other people,” CA’s public affairs manager Peter Young said on Monday.

“It’s a pity that one incident can spoil everything for thousands of people.”

Young again apologised to the South African team and Cricket South Africa.

Morkel was the 12th-man when the spectator apparently shouted within earshot of a policeman and security officer that he was a kaffir.

Morkel did not immediately register the slur. When he walked off the field he told teammates somebody had said something "very ugly”.

It is apparently quite normal in Australia for South Africans, irrespective of their race, to be referred to as kaffirs.

Young said it was extremely disappointing that a wonderful day for Tasmanian cricket was ruined by “one idiot that can’t behave himself”.

He said it was a blot on the copybook of an otherwise good summer as far as behaviour is concerned.

South African management deplored the incident, but accepted the apology and views the incident as closed.

Your Comments

Outofafrica1/21/2009 11:53 PM: KevinInBrisbane .I have been here in Brisbane for 10 years and have being called Kaffir a few times .So don't think that because it has't happend to you it's has't happened to others.

Willie1/21/2009 12:14 AM: Why is every body so uptight about the kaffir word, look it up in any good dictionary it meens you are a born and bred person of that country, so he is a Ausie kaffir. If its a problem when some one calls you names then maybe its a fitting shoe.

KevinInBrisbane1/20/2009 3:46 PM: As a S.African expat living in Brisbane for the last 6 years, I can honestly say I have never been called, or heard of anybody being called a k*ffir by a local Aussie or anybody else for that matter. Tasmania is like the Brakpan of Aussie so don't read too much into this story. Hell man, S.Africa has it's fair share of half-wit brain-dead spectators too.

Monte1/20/2009 3:33 PM: Amazing how all the people commenting on the insulting bad language including Mr. Peter Young prefer to refer to others as idiots... You just make me smile.

Joan1/20/2009 2:43 PM: Christo has completely distorted this story. No one should be racially abused, but this term is NOT a normal way for Australians to refer to South Africans. To include this in his story is inflammatory and very poor journalism. Do your research!

Tsobastoba1/20/2009 1:11 PM: HAHAHA !!! That's What i Call Justice, White SAs people being called Kaffirs.

Mojojo1/20/2009 1:02 PM: I can't wait for the return series. This is going to be the best cricket summer we've had in years. Who cares about one idiot, the cricket is still good and so far all the matches have been down to the wire. (not the twenty 20) but I count the tests and ODIs as proper games. Just on that, why does our team suck so much at twenty 20? We even struggled against Bangladesh and Kenya. I know the short version of the game favours the weaker teams, but come on, Australia got it right.

Anonymous User1/20/2009 12:59 PM: People should stop being so sensitive.Who cares who calls who what ?! lets just get on with life!!!!!!!!!!!

BB1/20/2009 12:57 PM: So what, ignore it and move on, if someone calls you a d00s, no fuss is made about it. Yet another fine example of over-reaction. "Spoil it for thousands" 'cmon, no one gave it a thought until some idiot blew it out of proportion. Freedom of speech. I don't give a sh@t if someone calls me a k@$#.

Anonymous User1/20/2009 12:13 PM: Not sure why everyone gets so worked up. I am a white SA, and to be honest I don't give a #$%@ what anybody calls me, K___, Whiteboy, Mzungu etc. Its really only people who feel insecure and inferior who always seem to "cry foul" over a name. I don't see the "Poms" or the Yanks" getting upset. The Irish are always ridiculed in jokes, it doesn't seem to worry them. This whole PC crap goes way too far. As others have said, there are more important things to worry about. The world is in an awful mess and here we are worrying about some oke who has probably had too much to drink shouting abuse at Morkel. "Build a bridge and get over it"

Anonymous User1/20/2009 12:12 PM: Proffesional sportsmen earning what they do should be able to take some verbal abuse. To all you winging S Africans who cant make it here, carry on moaning mate we love it! Ps we love our sheep.

IP Freely1/20/2009 11:41 AM: Who gives a flying ****? Unfortunately, due to the over the top PC-ness of the new SA, the whole world has to tiptoe around us and apologise profusely for some wanker's remark, just in case some previously-oppressed South African's sensibilities might be offended. The media knows this and has a field day. Let's get over ourselves and play some cricket instead!!!!!!

Kelvin1/20/2009 11:19 AM: Can you expect anything better from the decendants of convicts.

Anonymous User1/20/2009 10:56 AM: No matter its origin, it states here that Australians refer to ALL SAFAS as k*****. Yes, there are other more important things to worry about, but it once again just proves the mentallity and moral some people have. How did they come about this word in the first place and link it to South Africans? Just makes you think. There always seem to be some stupid, spineless, probably drunkard idiot who is so miserable and insecure with his own life that he has to try & publically name call, tho embarassing himself in the process. They always think they are more superior, sports or not. What a bunch of arrogant idiots, the whole lot! At least our boys can go on playing a good game and hopefully beat Australia AGAIN!

Mr Drew1/20/2009 10:41 AM: C'mon, I think it is very funny, a white South African being called the dreaded K word, very ironic. As usual there is a huge over reaction. People get called names every single day. Don't get worked up about it.

KOBUS1/20/2009 10:29 AM: I've been there. Nobody called me that. Everyone was very friendly and cool. One (born-and-bred Aussie) guy was even a bigger Springbok supporter than anyone I have even seen in SA! From my personal experience I can tell you that it is not "normal" for Aussies to refer to any South African in that way.

Anonymous User1/20/2009 10:25 AM: I feel that we have lost the plot here. We are focusing more on insulting each other ( SA vs AUS ), then on the game being played. I support S.A. and enjoy watching the Aussies getting beaten but when it starts to get personal from both sides then I think it has gone to far. Focus on the game and forget the insults!!

Stewart Wood1/20/2009 9:47 AM: Storm in a teacup - sensationalised by the bloody media! I wonder under what law this guy would be prosecuted anyway? - in Australia the word "k****" has no racist meaning and may be used as any other word. In fact a check of a dictionary will probably show it's true original meaning and any lawyer worth his salt would point this out to a court. I suspect we will hear no more about prosecution and the authorities there will realise there is absolutely nothing they can do legally.

Anonymous User1/20/2009 9:25 AM: Former south africans defending Oz? what a joke, u expats are now part of the auzzie furniture so therefore havnt experienced the K word, with no credibility u just an auzzie defending another racist auzzie. I reckon its the norm for visiting south africans, its warm hospitality auzzie style:Welcome to Australia K...mate

LenM1/20/2009 9:19 AM: Unnecessary as this might have been, are there not more important matters to worry about??!

G1/20/2009 8:59 AM: Christo Buchner - what were you trying to achieve by including that line? It's NOT 'apparently' normal for Ozzies to call S. Africans that. Anywhere in the world, ignorant idiots call others offensive names, because they don't have the capacity to articulate their feelings appropriately. This tour's been great for SA - OZ relations. Don't try to destroy this spirit with irresponsible, inapproprate journalism.

Rynette1/20/2009 8:53 AM: stupid idiot! how unsportmanslike.

Patricia1/20/2009 8:45 AM: "Normal in Australia for South Africans, irrespective of their race, to be referred to as kaffirs." ???? This is not just a slur upon Morkel, it's a slur upon all South Africans, black & white!!!

Andre1/20/2009 8:37 AM: Even with online games if players from other parts of the world find out you are a South African they make racist remarks

Just Cricket1/20/2009 8:17 AM: Second blot after the laser incident, mate. Where's your memory Mr Young?

Ikabot1/20/2009 8:11 AM: Ah, so THAT's where all the whites that supported apartheid disappeared to.

Duncan1/20/2009 8:06 AM: On occassion I have been called a kaffir by someone who thinks he is being smart. Those people are not smart, and indeed, neither are they racist. They are merely ignorant and uninformed. They know that they are being derogatory but short of a campaign by some one (the government?) to inform the Australian public about all the culturally inappropriate labels in the WORLD, they will not consciously know. I think the hoo-ha in the paper has been sufficient and legal action is a waste of time and money. I don't get upset, Morkel hardly heard, let it rest.

Anonymous User1/20/2009 8:06 AM: Well what do you expect from an "IDIOT" anyway

PinkF1/20/2009 8:00 AM: Good on yer mate! Make a VERY good example of him - and then let the same thing happen here. It is time that the people/sport lovers the world over stop flinging abuse at the players - in any sport. I witnessed an incident at the Wanders when Brett Lee was repeatedly (throughout the game) called a sheep shagger by a bunch of hooligans who had a little girl of about 8 yrs old with them (what a good example to the child). That day I was ashamed to be a SA citizen! It is just not cricket - chuck them out and lock them up!!!

James1/20/2009 7:58 AM: The old expression says "Stick and stones may break my bones, but names will never harm me". Grow up and get over it, So what if someone calls you a nasty name? Insult them back!

Saffer1/20/2009 7:54 AM: "He said it was a blot on the copybook of an otherwise good summer as far as behaviour is concerned."....just forgetting the green laser incident then? Ozzies are hitting their names with a big plank this summer

Trevor Meiring1/20/2009 7:48 AM: We salute you, mr Young. Thanks for looking after our guys and the interest of cricket. The Ozzies are worthy and respected opponents. We hope that they are looked after as well when they visit our country next month. We look forward to hosting you!

ponitro1/20/2009 7:36 AM: ...It is apparently quite normal in Australia for South Africans, irrespective of their race, to be referred to as kaffirs.... who are you trying to fool!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous User1/20/2009 7:34 AM: and our fellow South Africans keep flocking to the Australian shores only to be referred to as 'kaffirs' in fear of, besides the obvious crime, affirmative action.

Nic the Greek1/20/2009 7:30 AM: As they say one rotten apple spoils the bushel. I think CA has handled this well, and CSA is just as noble about the whole episode. However, if anything, Morne Morkel is an example to the world that the new South Africa has moved on from those days and does not appreciate having some moron thinking he can have it his way! Go Boys bat and bowl the Aussies into the ground!

Anonymous User1/20/2009 7:25 AM: I lived in London for years with many Australians and they don't call us kaffirs but Saffirs. Anyway either one is not offensive to me, it's better than what we routinely call them, "sheepshaggers"... People should lighten up - sticks and stones will break my bones but words can never harm me!

wayne1/20/2009 7:25 AM: It again proves that Australians come from an ancestry of delinquents and thieves who have more air below their hair than anything else that vaguely resembles grey matter. It’s a shame they don’t acknowledge all the brains they have imported from SA and how those brains were used to build their country into what it is today. To think i nearly immigrated to Australia, it would have been the biggest mistake of my life. Such sore losers and there is a direct correlation between sore losing and IQ. They must be the dumbest nation on earth. I hope well drill them in Sydney.

Stephen1/20/2009 6:58 AM: If you are a racist you either emmigrate to Oz or Texas.

David Dlamini1/20/2009 6:42 AM: l hope the culprit get a taste of his/her medicine.l have racism and we still have a lot of it here at home.sad

Anonymous User1/20/2009 6:34 AM: Was probably a SA ex-pat!!!!! I have a friend who immigrated to Oz and he hates everything SAfrican........, aboslutely ridiculous

Steph1/20/2009 6:13 AM: Just goes to show, you come from Africa, they call you the K-word, no matter your colour. I had a good laugh, because I am South African in Oz, just shows you that it happens everywhere, not just in Africa.

Anonymous User1/20/2009 6:01 AM: I don't know what all the fuss is about, Morkel isn't one. If he was black, it was a different matter.

Nicholas1/20/2009 4:39 AM: Now the whole world knows that the worst kind of criminal offense is to call someone a k****r. It is most certainly worse than genocide, or murder in general. 50 People get murdered EVERY SINGLE DAY in South Africa, but as long as the murderers are not called k****rs, it is all OK.

kevin1/20/2009 3:56 AM: its commendable that CA took action against this idiot! its unfortunate racism still exists, and i guess regardless of what skin color you r, if you r foreigner in australia, you r jus that despite you having permanent residency or citizenship! ask me, im a blak zimbabwean with aussie citizenship!!

Trevor1/20/2009 3:41 AM: As an ex pat in Australia, I have keenly followed the cricket and I just want to state being called a "K" is not the norm in Australia, most don't even know the word. As a fellow "K", go protea's and keep up the high standards both on and off the field you are all stars

Kelvin1/20/2009 3:01 AM: There is an incorrect fact in the above article. I am a former South African and have lived in Australia for the past 6 years. I have never been called a "k*ffir". The term Aussies use for South Africans is "Saffer" which has no relation to the word "kaffir". It is derived from the acronym for South Africa - SA. In my experience, the people most likely to hurl abuse of any kind against the South African team are disgruntled former South Africans abusing the freedom they are granted in Australia. This type of action is disgraceful and very very un-Australian. Most cricketing fans I know are absolutely loving the cricket as the Proteas are making it exciting with their current form.

Oz1/20/2009 2:59 AM: There is no excuse for this behaviour and the offender should be prosecuted to send the right message everyone. Christo Buchner - not sure we you get your facts or how you come to some of your conclusions though. I am a South African that has lived in Australia for 10 years and have never heard the "k" word used in any context whilst in Australia. The only time i EVER hear this word are on my very frequent visits to South Africa. I am sure that if you had lived in Australia or had spent any time here you would know that to be the case and you wouldnt be espousing such crap. Stop with your D grade journalism!!

fern1/20/2009 12:08 AM: another classy expat... idioit

Anonymous User1/19/2009 11:32 PM: Yep, that's bloody aussies for ya Whadya expect from a bunch of deportees?

Anonymous User1/19/2009 11:13 PM: I have now been living in Australia for 4 years as an expat South African, and never have I found it 'quite normal' to be referred to as a 'kaffir'. This spectator was well out of line and deserves what he gets.

Anonymous User1/19/2009 10:52 PM: Eerder Mr Fir as 'n SSSSSSSSSSkaapnaaier LOL

Anonymous User1/19/2009 10:52 PM: It is really discusting that such racial abuse occurs in modern day sport. Although one cannot blame the action of one moron on the whole of Australia, I believe it should be dealt with in the adequate manner.

Anonymous User1/19/2009 10:50 PM: ...at least we don't call our "locals"....half-casts....abbo's...creamy one's...top-decks...etc...my ex-house-mate is an aussie !!

Mike van Zyl1/19/2009 10:43 PM: Come on !!! We South Africans are tough. Throw us all the insults that you can. We can take it. Stop this bullshit of "making examples" and "prosecution". Let free speech reign. The Aussies are starting to fear us - mission accomplished.

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