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Boycotts have been threatened against South Africa’s largest padel club group, Africa Padel, following controversial remarks made by its chairperson, Robert Hersov, during the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Also read: Play padel at Huddle Park, Durbanville and The Glen

Hersov is seen in a video widely shared on social media over the weekend at a gathering with other Israeli supporters. ‘F*** these guys!’ he allegedly says to a group of people carrying Palestinian flags behind him.

While it is unclear where the gathering took place, an Israeli prayer meeting was scheduled for Sunday at the Sea Point promenade in Cape Town. The meeting, however, was cancelled for ‘ safety reasons’ after increased tensions between groups resulted in police using stun grenades and water cannons.

The video has sparked outrage on social media, with pro-Palestinian groups urging South Africans to boycott Africa Padel. #BoycottAfricaPadel has also circulated on social media platforms as users have cancelled their bookings at clubs.

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Padel is a popular sport that is a mix of tennis and squash and is played on an enclosed court.

There are now 14 Africa Padel clubs across the country, with a total of 62 courts. The company claims that over 45 000 players use its courts and that it has 31% of the current market share.

The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA), a civil organisation, has announced a nationwide picket at various clubs in Sandton, Camps Bay, Roodepoort and Durban.

Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing social media uproar, Africa Padel has distanced itself from the chairperson’s comments.

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According to a statement on the company’s Instagram account, they ‘remain neutral on political matters’ and ‘any personal opinions expressed by people associated with Africa Padel are their own and do not represent the company.’

‘We understand the concerns raised and want to assure you that Africa Padel is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated,’ they said.

Cape {town} Etc reached out to Africa Padel for comment, but none had been received at the time of publication.

Also read:

Update: Pro-Palestinian supporters march to police station after arrests

Picture: Tomasz Krawczyk / Unsplash

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