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Emotional Sonny Bill Williams pays tribute to Christchurch victims

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Fri, 15 Mar 2019, 5:57PM

Emotional Sonny Bill Williams pays tribute to Christchurch victims

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Fri, 15 Mar 2019, 5:57PM

Messages of shock and support have continued to pour in after the mass shootings in Christchurch that have claimed multiple lives.

All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams posted a heartfelt message to the victims of the attacks at mosques in the Garden City, with dozens feared dead and several injured.

Williams, a devout Muslim, posted a video on Twitter saying he was deeply saddened by the tragedy.

"Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Just heard the news and I couldn't put it into words how I'm feeling right now. Just sending my duas to the families," an emotional Williams said.

"Apparently there's close to 30 people dead. Just sending out my duas and Inshallah everyone that's been killed today in Christchurch your families you can take. Just my duas to your love ones. Inshallah you guys are all in paradise and I'm just deeply deeply sad that this would happen in New Zealand."

Williams' Blues have a Super Rugby bye this week.

Black Caps cricketer Jimy Neesham called it a "terrible day".

"For so long I've watched world events from afar and naively thought we were somehow different in our little corner of the world, somehow safe," Neesham tweeted. "Today is a terrible day. Disgusted and saddened doesn't begin to describe it."

The third test between the Black Caps and Bangladesh, that was meant to start at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch tomorrow, has been called off.

New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said playing at this time would be "inappropriate".

"On behalf of New Zealand Cricket - heartfelt condolences to those affected.

"We've cancelled the game. I've spoken to my counterpart at Bangladesh cricket - we agree it's inappropriate to play cricket at this time."

White said New Zealand Cricket were shocked and appalled by what had unfolded.
"Both teams are deeply affected.

"As a country we'll have to look at [security of visiting teams]. It seemed to be a safe haven. I'm sure all of New Zealand will take a look at their approach."

Bangladesh players narrowly escaped the gunfire.

"Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers," Tamim Iqbal Khan tweeted.

"Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us," Mushfiqur Rahim tweeted.

"Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers"

Other sportspeople from home and abroad shared their thoughts and prayers.

 

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