Simon O'Connor: Montreal Burns

Why is it so hard for politicians and media to call out violence when initiated by certain groups? Plus a few observations on the ongoing hypocrisy of some New Zealand sportspeople.

You will have not seen any reporting here in New Zealand, but a few days ago there were significant and violent riots in Montreal, Canada. Police were attacked, cars burned, buildings smashed, fires lit, and calls for revolution and to globalise the intifada.

As you might expect, it was the usual suspects: Pro-Palestinian groups, supporters of terrorist organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, Marxist radicals, anti-capitalists, anti-NATO activists, and other revolutionaries and anarchists.

Mike's Minute: TJ Perenara haka is a sign of the times

Surely the TJ Perenara performance is a sign of the times?

How far back (small clue, not far) do you need to go to think that this sort of extra curricular activity would never have even been close to being countenanced by an All Black squad?

Not long ago, essentially, sport was sport.

DTNZ: Fiery reaction as All Blacks make divisive ‘political’ statement

In an unusual and divisive departure from tradition All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara made a political statement during the haka in what was his final test match, sparking debate over the mixing of sports and politics.

Perenara’s controversial gesture was added to post-match with several teammates posing with a Tino Rangatiratanga flag.

The actions may lead to a potential alienation of fans who view the All Blacks as a unifying force, not a political platform.