Celebs outraged after old SA flag shown at All Blacks match

Celebrities including Siv Ngesi and Tumisho Masha have added their voice to the outrage over the old South African flag being displayed during the Springbok’s match against the All Blacks in New Zealand at the weekend.

The flag‚ held by a person near the players’ entrance tunnel, was spotted by TV cameras and quickly sparked an outcry on social media.

Speaking to New Zealand publication Newshub‚ Westpac Stadium CEO Shane Harmon said security did not immediately recognise the flag but, after seeing the reaction on social media‚ quickly removed it.

“We didn’t initially recognise the flag‚ but with some quick reference checking‚ we [ascertained] that it was the pre-1994 South African flag.

“We understand the flag is offensive to many South Africans and‚ as a result‚ we asked the patrons to remove it.”

Harmon said that no further action would be taken against the person who brought the flag to the stadium, but staff would be more vigilant in future.

“We’ll take further advice for future events‚ but our assessment at the time was that the flag was not illegal but had potential to cause offence.

“We acted appropriately when it was brought to our attention.

“We’ve had flag protocols for many visiting teams and events over the years‚ but this particular one has never been brought to our attention.”

The incident has caused anger online‚ with outspoken TV personality Ngesi among those who slammed it.

“I hope this b ****** d stays in New Zealand! Disgusting! D**s‚” he wrote next to a picture of the flag at the stadium.

Former Isidingo actor Tumisho Masha said he was confident that social media users would soon be able to identify the flag waver. –