Politics and sport - apartheid

chunkylover53 · 18th July 2011, 09:23 PM

Was watching Invictus last night, and it got me thinking.

South Africa were essentially banned from all international sports during apartheid right?

Whilst I think its difficult to draw a line (and maybe its wrong to link politics and sport anyway), I find it astonishing that the likes of North Korea are allowed to compete on the international stage

Thoughts?

PhilSAFC · 18th July 2011, 09:29 PM

Can't punish the people because their governments are mental.

chunkylover53 · 18th July 2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilSAFC

Can't punish the people because their governments are mental.

is one argument yes

Charmless Man · 18th July 2011, 09:32 PM

Not sure of my thoughts yet but I'll have a think and get back to you.

For now though, Invictus is a shite film.

Crayon · 18th July 2011, 09:34 PM

You're right. There is a real inconsistency.

I wouldn't say, mind, that the ban on international sport in South Africa was particularly successful. Especially in rugby. The Lions toured in '74 and '80, England in '72 and '84, and NZ, Australia, Ireland, France and Argentina in other years. The Springboks even toured New Zealand in 1981.

Engalnd and West Indian cricket sides also toured, although they were never given test status like the rugby.

Medulla · 18th July 2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilSAFC

Can't punish the people because their governments are mental.

If it applies pressure on the government through a concerted campaign of ostracism and it's a totalitarian or general repugnant government then I'm sure the people would understand, unless they're blocked off from all outside communication be a psychopathic leader in which case...

Just blow them up with some bombs and shit.

markc · 18th July 2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilSAFC

Can't punish the people because their governments are mental.

there would be a lot more than north korea affected

Harry Angstrom · 18th July 2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunkylover53

Was watching Invictus last night, and it got me thinking.

South Africa were essentially banned from all international sports during apartheid right?

Whilst I think its difficult to draw a line (and maybe its wrong to link politics and sport anyway), I find it astonishing that the likes of North Korea are allowed to compete on the international stage

Thoughts?

They refused to allow basil D'oliveira to play in south Africa and were subsequently banned. Or so I thought.

Tadger · 18th July 2011, 09:53 PM

The problem with countries like North Korea is that they have too much control over their sports teams. It's just another Government tool.

zinedine · 18th July 2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medulla

If it applies pressure on the government through a concerted campaign of ostracism and it's a totalitarian or general repugnant government then I'm sure the people would understand, unless they're blocked off from all outside communication be a psychopathic leader in which case...

Just blow them up with some bombs and shit.

Are you Tony Blair?