Boks condemn old SA flag
2006-11-26 22:05
London - Springbok management and players have strongly condemned the display of the old South Africa flag by a few supporters during the two clashes against England at Twickenham over the past two weeks.
Among the thousands of rugby supporters at Twickenham on Saturday, at least four fans were carrying old South African flags, as Springbok supporters celebrated points scored by the team during Saturday's fixture.
Team manager Zola Yeye distanced the team from the rogue section of the Bok supporters. "It is disgusting that these people are displaying such unpatriotic behaviour, in the name of the Springboks," said Yeye.
"It is all in bad taste, and we do not want to be seen to be condoning such rude behaviour. What does it say of us in a foreign land?"
Captain John Smit said the episode was embarrassing to the Springbok players. "Here we are, representing our country - the new South Africa - and all the people back home, and some people come to the stadium to insult all 44m South Africans, in our name. We distance ourselves totally to such mischief. We are proud of the new flag, the anthem and the country.
Respect the new South Africa
"The Springboks fully endorse the new non-racial order in our country and look at our supporters as people who are proud of the new ethos of equality. While we appreciate support from all South Africans, we call upon all our supporters to respect the new South Africa and the sense of dignity it seeks to give to all of its citizens - irrespective of their political beliefs."
Yeye also reminded the rogue fans that the Springboks were now free to tour any rugby nation, precisely because of the new order in South Africa. He said they did not associate the team with behaviour that sought to undermine the new peaceful culture in South Africa.
"Many people who support the Springboks feel insulted by the few who give the team a bad name. We are not part of what they do, they should not call themselves supporters of the Springboks.
"Having said that, one should not take out of the equation the thousands of fans who proudly displayed the official South African flag at our games. That is what really inspires players who represent their country with pride."
- SAPA