Opinion: Qld Cricketers Club neither woke not anti-Semitic

It is simply wrong to categorise clumsy communication as anti-Semitism, writes Lachlan Furnell.

Queensland Cricketers Club CEO Lachlan Furnell at the Gabba

For what is often referred to as a gentleman’s game, cricket has attracted more than its share of controversy over the years.

From Bodyline to apartheid and even Johnny Bairstow’s controversial stumping on the most recent Ashes tour.

In each of these cases, the “controversy” was cleverly manipulated – and perhaps even encouraged – by various parties for their own agendas.

And such is the case with the baseless accusations of anti-Semitism directed at the Queensland Cricketers’ Club this week.

In fact, the club is neither woke nor anti-Semitic.

Earlier this year we receive a venue booking request from the Australian Jewish Association for an event the AJA said was “technically a book launch, but due to the pro-Israel content, focusing on combating anti-Semitism, it’s seen as controversial”.

A flyer promoting Melanie Phillips

Thus, the description of the event as “controversial” came from the organisers, not the club.

The author went on to say: “We need commitment that it won’t be cancelled if there are complaints. Let me know.”

After careful consideration, we decided that the venue was not equipped to cater to the kind of protests the organisers were warning of, and that we were not in a position to give them the commitment they demanded.

It is regrettable that this was not conveyed clearly to the organisers, but it is simply wrong to categorise clumsy communication as anti-Semitism.

The club strives to be a force for good in a fragile world, throwing open its doors to support dozens of charity events every year, and providing thousands of meals to homeless and vulnerable people through the nearby Emmanuel City Mission.

The QCC is agnostic to international political issues, but must consider the safety of its staff and guests at all times.

This is what we have done in this case, and we will continue to do in the future.

Lachlan Furnell is CEO of the Queensland Cricketers’ Club

Originally published as Opinion: Qld Cricketers Club neither woke not anti-Semitic