South Africa officials in hot water after photo with fans in SBW masks designed to unsettle David Warner
THE two South African officials at the centre of the disgraceful Sonny Bill Williams mask stunt face a disciplinary hearing, as Cricket South Africa apologised.
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THE two South African officials at the centre of the disgraceful Sonny Bill Williams mask stunt, have been ordered back to head office for a disciplinary hearing where they could be sacked.
Clive Eksteen – South Africa’s commercial manager and Altaaf Khazi – the media and communications manager – are fighting to save their jobs after they posed for an appalling photo with men in masks attempting to humiliate and anger David Warner and his wife, Candice.
Cricket South Africa have issued an unreserved apology to the Warners following the debacle after they issued a public statement strongly condemning the actions of Eksteen and Khazi.
There was a suggestion the pair may already be suspended from their duties, but after being told to fly home last night it’s likely their fate will be determined in the coming days.
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Eksteen and Khazi also stand accused of letting the men into the ground in the first place after security staff had originally stopped them at the gate when they were found in possession of the masks.
The Chairman of Cricket Australia David Peever, who is on his way to Port Elizabeth for the second Test, last night received a full apology from his South African counterpart.
The ugly prank designed to anger and humiliate the Warners was an appalling reference to Candice Warner’s well-publicised association with rugby star Williams way back in 2007.
Cricket South Africa will consider sacking the officials as they apologised to all concerned.
“Cricket South Africa wishes to distance itself from the alleged action of certain officials in associating themselves with fans wearing masks representing the face of Sonny Bill Williams, conduct which is seemingly related to the Warner/De Kock incident during the opening day of the second Sunfoil Test match at St. George’s Park,” said CSA President, Chris Nenzani.
“While CSA respects the rights of its fans to represent their own points of view, CSA does not associate itself with these actions and urges all Protea supporters from refraining from being involved in distasteful or unwelcome actions that may impact the image of the sport and its supporters.
“CSA has taken immediate precautionary steps against the CSA officials allegedly involved in this incident and will follow the organisation’s normal internal processes in this regard.
“On behalf of CSA I extend my sincere apologies to the Board of Cricket Australia (CA), its officials, team management, players and their families.”
Australian officials attempted to stop fans carrying the masks into the ground out of respect for Warner, his wife and their two young children who are all in Port Elizabeth.
South African hierarchy are understood to be embarrassed by the actions of their two employees and have made contact with the Australian camp to clear the air and offer a contrite apology.
It’s understood Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has also been in touch with his counterpart.
The behaviour of the two officials has the ability to further inflame a series already marred by poor taste and poisonous ill-will.
Warner has frequently had to deal with fans taunting him about his wife, particularly in New Zealand and South Africa.
During the recent Ashes, England’s Barmy Army penned a disparaging song referencing Williams.
Last week in Durban, Warner exploded when South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made shocking remarks about his wife during a now infamous confrontation in the stairwell outside the Durban dressing rooms.
Port Elizabeth fans had been posting in the lead-up to the Second Test that they would bring SBW masks into the venue as a way of taunting Warner during the match.
For two South African employees Eksteen and Khazi to participate in the vile prank is a shocking look for the local board.