Tony Armstrong Slams Quinton De Kock For Refusing To Take A Knee

Australian television presenter Tony Armstrong has gone to town on Quinton de Kock after the South African cricketer refused to take a knee ahead of a T20 World Cup game.

It's understood Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a directive to players to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

But news soon broke that de Kock wanted no part in the demonstration and walked out on the team for 'personal reasons'.

Quinton de Kock. Credit: PA

His withdrawal has left fans divided, with loads of people blasting him for his action.

ABC Breakfast host Armstrong was one of the many critics and he said during a segment on the TV show: "We've seen sporting teams right around the world start to get behind this movement.

"So for him to not do that, all that I think - and this is my own personal opinion - the question has been bubbling in my mind is how racist do you have to be, to not just take a knee and do that in conjunction with your teammates to show support, to even pretend to show support?

"You've got to be pretty strong on your conviction not to. At the very best it is confounding, confusing and puzzling."

Following de Kock's shock withdrawal, South African captain Temba Bavuma was forced to front the media after the team's win over the West indies.

Unsurprisingly, the press didn't seem too interested in the match itself - but rather the scandal involving de Kock.

"I think obviously as a team we're obviously surprised and taken aback by the news," Bavuma said.

"In saying that, Quinton is an adult. He's a man in his own shoes. We respect his decision. We respect his convictions.

"From the team's point of view, unfortunately we still have to get the job done. There was still a game of cricket there for our country, and it was important, as much as everything was happening, that we found a way to get into the right mental space and take it home for our country.

"But as far as we stand, Quinton is still one of the players. He's still one of the boys, so whatever support that he needs, whatever shoulder that he requires from his teammates, we'll be there for him.

"If there's a need for further conversations to be had, I'm sure those will definitely happen among the guys."