Pierce gives sharp lashing
2003-08-13 21:48
Cobus Grobler
Cape Town - A libel charge and more complaints are being considered against Cape Talk presenter Nigel Pierce after his attack on Afrikaans rugby players was expanded to include the ANC.
Pierce came under fire when he said over on the air on Friday there were too many "stupid Dutchmen" in the national team and they should go. "Seriously."
Meanwhile more demands are streaming in that Pierce should apologise to the Afrikaans community or resign. The Broadcasting Complaints Commission will have to investigate complaints from at least three listeners.
Springbok lock Kobus Wiese, who was in the team which won the World Cup, said on Wednesday: "Shame. What has he achieved in rugby?"
Pierce let rip on air on Wednesday morning. In an outburst which lasted a few minutes he lashed out at Western Cape ANC MP for daring to criticise him.
Pierce branded Pieterse, who is a member of the portfolio committee for sport and recreation, a "baboon, dummy, ANC lackey" who "grovels" in front of the sports minister and a "clown".
Pierce launched his tirade with: "This thing (Pieterse) who calls himself a human being is an utter Muppet . . . I've never heard of this Randy Pieterse . . .
"Don't believe the utter tripe Randy Pieterse says. So, Randy Pieterse, the next time you babble, get your facts straight. Your arse."
Now Pierce is also demanding an apology from the ANC and accused all parties which criticised him of running an election campaign at his expense. He is particularly annoyed that the ANC, which he supports, dared to climb into him and that Pieterse belittled him.
"What I'd like to know is: is the ANC is now being looked after by its white masters?" he added.
Pieterse says he is still seeking legal advice.
"Pierce's comments prove he knows little about the language and sport. Language will never determine the result of a game!
"At this stage I don't want to sink to his level in my response. A saying particulary apt here is: Eagles don't catch flies."
Cape Talk and Pierce did not respond to repeated enquiries.
- Die Burger