Racism throughout international sports has grown tenfold since January 2020, with the global political climate showing an incredible level of intolerance towards those of African or Jewish descent. The South African Springbok’s experienced their first onslaught of this political climate over the weekend of August 27th. Players like Marland Yarde announced that Springbok athletes were targeted with death threats from “Black Lives Matter Activists”. These BLM Activists issued threats of murder onto Springbok players after they didn’t kneel during the national anthem.
Instead of standing behind their athletes & protecting their safety, the South African Minister of Sports condemned the Springboks. Nathi Mthethwa demanded that the South African rugby team kneel in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. However, an ever-increasing number of athletes are refusing to kneel after an influx of violence has ensued from BLM Activists. The proof was shown throughout the death threats received over August 27th to 29th, and beyond.
Springbok athletes that refused to kneel during the anthem included Lood de Jager and Faf de Klerk. Both men are Caucasian & received an influx of hatred for their actions. Sports analysts suspect these ruby players will be forced into kneeling during the next match. However, this can go against their political views & religious beliefs. It shows that like most sporting associations worldwide in 2020s climate of hatred that any athlete not supporting the BLM Movement can be ostracized for their actions.
All Ethnicities Matter
Springbok personnel like Steve Diamond believe that the influx of criticism directed towards athletes not standing with the BLM Movement will end shortly. It should be mentioned that these men, and most athletes that haven’t stood in solidarity with this movement, have expressed their desire to see racism end for all ethnicities. These individuals believe that the BLM Movement shouldn’t be the exclusive form of racism that’s reverted in 2020, with multiple races facing an influx of unneeded & undesired hatred.
Formula One is the exclusive international sport that’s allowed for their athletes to wear “End Racism” shirts, standing with all ethnicities worldwide. It’s believed that the South African Rugby Association should follow suit, trying to assist in the systematic deconstruction of racism worldwide.
