Nine sports reporter brands Australia T20 team‘s BLM support ’political rubbish’

The historic moment where Australian cricketers knelt alongside West Indian players in support of BLM has been branded as “political rubbish”.

Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade of Australia kneel for Black Lives Matter during the 2nd T20I between Australia and West Indies. Picture: Randy Brooks / AFP

A Nine sports reporter has branded a historic Australian moment as “political rubbish” after cricketers took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign.

Member’s of the Australia T20 side made history when they knelt alongside West Indian players to start their series last week.

The Aussies had been criticised for not supporting the BLM movement last year and released a statement on Saturday which said they stood with the West Indies in “condemning racial injustice and indiscrimination”.

It was the first time Australian players knelt in support of the BLM movement. Picture: Randy Brooks / AFP

However, 2GB sports reporter James Willis told listeners on Tuesday morning it could be “big dramas” if the movement continues during the Australian summer.

“I’ve got to say to the boys we must lift the first two games have been really ordinary with bat and ball and I think there’ll be some changes this morning (Tuesday),” he said.

“I just think we have got to avoid some of this political rubbish in the lead up to games where players took a knee in support of Black Lives Matter.

“I think a lot of cricket fans would prefer not to see that before games and if it comes over the summer it will be big dramas.”

James Willis (right) branded the kneeling of Aussie players at political rubbish.

His comments come as the fallout from racist abuse of England football players continues.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were flooded with racist abuse online after missing their penalties in the euros 2020 finals loss to Italy yesterday.

The comments have been condemned by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince William.

Mr Willis’ BLM comments also come just days after a Twitter spat with Australian Media Diversity co-founder Antoinette Lattouf.

If you’re looking for the worst ever take on coronavirus- read this from Antoinette Lattouf. Falsely claiming racism is behind the testing push and police presence in the south west. Irresponsible alarmism from @10NewsFirstSyd#COVID19#covidnswhttps://t.co/Im4qVgoB1W

— James Willis (@JamesWillis873) July 9, 2021

Ms Lattouf, a Channel 10 reporter, accused Mr Willis of “trying to mansplain racism to me”

“I love it when a white guy positions himself as an expert on racism and media portrayal and inclusion of people of colour,” she said.

The fight erupted after Ms Lattouf criticised another Channel 9 reporter of xenophobia.

Willis jumped to her defence writing that Ms Lattouf’s criticism was the “worst-ever take”.