Cricket journalist axed over Gaza views on social media, sparking backlash
Australian radio station SEN announced on Tuesday that it had parted ways with Peter Lalor, The Australian newspaper's former chief cricket writer, in the middle of a test series between Australia and Sri Lanka after his commentary on his social media regarding Israel's war on Gaza.
Lalor's feed on X includes reshares of news stories about Israel's attacks on Gaza and accusations of genocide against the Israeli government.
The radio station's management told Lalor that accusations of antisemitism had been levelled against him, which he objected to. He had been working as a freelance commentator for the station.
On Monday night, Lalor released a statement saying that he had received calls from senior management at SEN and was informed the next morning that he would no longer work for them.
His dismissal from the radio station has sparked backlash and criticism from cricket fans in Australia and around the world, with many calling on the cricket media to condemn SEN's actions.
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This is deplorable. All of the cricket media should stand with @plalor and condemn SEN's actions.https://t.co/uObj69AEDJ — Karthik Krishnaswamy (@the_kk) February 3, 2025
'I was asked by station boss Craig Hutchison, who was civil, if I didn't care that my retweeting of events in Gaza made Jewish people in Melbourne feel unsafe. I said I didn't want anyone to feel unsafe. Of course, I care. I have friends who are frightened and have heard the fear in their voices during conversations. It is an awful situation, but so is Gaza."
'The following day, Hutchinson told me that because the 'sound of my voice made people feel unsafe' and that people are 'triggered by my voice', I could not cover the cricket for them anymore,' Lalor said in his statement.
'I will continue to have sympathy for the suffering of the Palestinian people just as I will continue to be appalled by acts of antisemitism and terrorism,' he added.
Many online objected to the claims that Lalor's social media posts made 'Jewish communities feel unsafe'.
This just happened to Peter Lalor - cricket commentator - Jewish people in Melbourne claimed his voice made them feel 'unsafe' & 'triggered' them, so he lost his job.
This has to stop. pic.twitter.com/tHzqb18kVb — Dr Sheep Person Podge (@noplaceforsheep) February 3, 2025
Some have called for a direct boycott of the radio station, defending Lalor as being 'a top human being who has always stood up for the oppressed'.
Known Peter Lalor for more than 35 years he is a top human being who has always stood up for the oppressed and downtrodden. One of Bendigo's finest hang your head in shame SEN. I will never listen to that station EVER AGAIN. https://t.co/SUvjp2KbL1 — Paulie Stewart (@PaulieStewart) February 4, 2025
Meanwhile, Australian international test cricketer Usman Khawaja condemned the SEN's decision to drop the journalist.
Khawaja has been vocal in his support for Palestinians and wrote on his Instagram account that Lalor 'deserved better'.
'Standing up for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic nor does it have anything to do with my Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, but everything to do with the Israeli government and their deplorable actions,' Khawaja said in an Instagram story, according to Dawn news.
Many online supported Khawaja's decision to speak out for the axed journalist, praising his moral courage.
Well done Usman — it takes moral courage to speak up like this: 'Khawaja backs Australian journalist axed over Gaza social media posts' https://t.co/FfQhF7heom — N. Ram (@nramind) February 4, 2025
Social media users also pointed out that Lalor's sacking is a 'symptom of corporate cancel culture - urged on by the political right' and said journalists should be free to express views beyond their niche areas of reporting.
Australia has recently made headlines for its decision to deny entry to Israeli soldiers after they were asked to complete an extensive 13-page form, typically required for military personnel involved in a war. The country has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked over fears of "incitement".
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