Cricket star David Teeger has been removed as South Africa captain for the Under-19 World Cup.
The 19-year-old had been due to skipper his side but, due to 'security concerns', he's now in line to be replaced.
Teeger has voiced support for Israeli soldiers amid the ongoing conflict with terror group Hamas.
Cricket South Africa are preparing for protests at the competition, which begins on January 19, and believes there is a risk of violence as the competition creeps closer.
South Africa cricket captain David Teeger has been removed from his position
GETTY
CSA said the decision to remove Teeger as captain was 'taken in the best interests of all the players, the SA U-19 team and David himself."
But they also said the youngster would remain in the squad as a player, despite the concerns.
South Africa are due to play the West Indies, England and Scotland during the group stages of the tournament.
A statement read: "As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup.
"We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament.
"We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 captain, David Teeger, and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.
"CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators.
"In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy for the tournament.
"This is in the best interests of all the players, the SA U19 team and David himself."
The decision has come after a group of pro-Palestinian supporters picketed outside at Newlands during the New Year's Test between South Africa and India.
They were escorted away but continued to make their feelings known.
A separate group sat in the stands with Palestinian flags during the fixture.
Teeger is Jewish and, in October last year, was named the Rising Star at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards ceremony.
After receiving his award, he paid tribute to the young soldiers in Israel.
"But more importantly, yes, I've been awarded this award, and yes, I am now the rising star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel," he said at the time.
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"So I'd like to dedicate this award to the South African family that married off one son whilst the other is still missing.
"And I'd like to dedicate it to the state of Israel and to every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora."
The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA) then lodged an official complaint to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.
The PSA said Teeger's comments had caused a 'significant rift within the cricket community'.
They have also questioned whether he is 'fit to represent a diverse South African team and more so, whether he has the necessary capacity to lead any such team'.
Cricket star David Teeger has caused controversy for his comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict
GETTY
Yet Wim Trengrove, who conducted an independent investigation, found Teeger had acted in accordance with his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism has condemned South Africa's decision, saying: "A Jewish sportsman is entitled to thank the Jewish state for the role that it plays in safeguarding Jews around the world.
"At a time of surging antisemitism, heaven knows Jewish communities across the globe need that support now more than ever.
"But those unreasonably offended by David Teeger's comment do not just disagree with him: they are apparently likely to resort to violence.
"It is absolutely shameful that Cricket South Africa is choosing to appease those who may use violence to get their way.
"In view of the South African Government's grossly unsympathetic reaction to the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, perhaps this sort of news coming out of the country is to be expected.
"But Cricket South Africa should buck the trend and declare that the prospect of violence will not be the basis of how the body makes decisions."
