Darren Sammy slams former South Africa players for criticising Lungi Ngidi over #BlackLivesMatter stand
Sammy, one of the first cricketers to speak up on the issue of racism in cricket, once the movement started spreading, took to Twitter to express his views on the matter.
Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy has hit out against former South African players who have criticised Protea pacer Lungi Ngidi over his #BlackLivesMatter stand. Sammy, one of the first cricketers to speak up on the issue of racism in cricket, once the movement started spreading, took to Twitter to express his views on the matter.
“The fact that some past players have an issue with @NgidiLungi stance on #blacklivesmatter movement is actually the reason why we are still here today saying black lives matter. Smfh #standupbrother we here with u,” the former Windies all-rounder wrote.
Former South African cricketers Pat Symcox and Boeta Dippenaar have slammed Lungi Ngidi for his support for Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, saying the pacer should also speak up against the attacks on white farmers in the country.
ALSO READ: What nonsense is this: Former SA cricketers criticise Lungi Ngidi’s Black Lives Matter stance
The 24-year-old pacer had said that the racism issue is “something that we need to take very seriously and like the rest of the world is doing, make the stand.” However, Ngidi’s comments were not taken well by former wicketkeeper Rudi Steyn, who shared the article on his facebook page with Dippenaar and Symcox expressing their criticism in the comments section.
“I believe the Proteas should make a stand against racism, but if they stand up for ‘Black Lives Matter’ while ignoring the way white farmers are daily being ‘slaughtered’ like animals, they have lost my vote,” wrote Styen, who has played just three Tests and one ODI for South Africa.
Dippenaar, who has featured in 38 Tests and 107 ODIs for South Africa between 1999 and 2007, said: “I am afraid to say “Black Lives Matter” have become nothing more than leftist political movement.
“I would suggest that Lungi Ngidi listens a bit more to likes of Thomas Sowell, Larry Elder, Walter Williams and Milton Friedman.” “All lives matter. If you want me to stand shoulder to shoulder with you Lungi then stand shoulder to shoulder with me with regards to farm attacks,” he added.
Former off-spinner Symcox, who played 20 Tests and 80 ODIs for South Africa, too was scathing in his criticism.
“What nonsense is this. He must take his own stand if he wishes. Stop trying to get the Proteas involved in his belief,” Symcox said. “Besides the fact that right now Cricket South Africa should be closed down. A proper dog and pony show with cricket being dragged through the mud daily. Buy popcorn and watch.” “Now when Ngidi has his next meal perhaps he would rather consider supporting the farmers of South Africa who are under pressure right now. A cause worth supporting,” Symcox added.
The ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement gathered momentum following the death of an African-American man named George Floyd when a police officer pressed his knee on his neck.
The incident triggered protests with former cricketers such as Michael Holding, Jason Holder, Darren Sammy and many more around the globe speaking up about racism.
South Africa has a long history of racism where the apartheid system ended in 1994.
Farm attacks have been a crime problem in South Africa with many believing that.
(With PTI inputs)
