NEW DELHI : A day after Pakistan players made lewd gestures in celebration after triumphing over India in Bhuvaneshwar, Hockey India decided not to play the arch rivals in the bilateral series in March next year. Miffed with the behaviour of the Pakistani following their 4-3 win over India in the Champions Trophy semifinal last night, Batra told UNI that this is something ‘unacceptable’.
It was a beautiful display of hockey by Pakistan but their celebrations on field dissapointed many Indian fans and media.
All Pakistan players took their shirts off running wildly on the ground with obscene gestures, which was unacceptable in any sporting arena.
“We want an unconditional apology from Pakistan federation. We were planning bilateral series in March, 2015 but now this will not happen.
“I am also shoked with the weak statement from FIH. They have mentioned in the statement that the players (Pakistani) may have been provoked by the crowd. If I abuse you then you will take action against me also. We want strict action against the players,” Batra said.
“What Pakistan did last night showed their culture. The way Pakistan coach left the press conference was also immature.’
The international hockey federation (FIH) released an official statement after the match saying, ‘At the conclusion of the semi-final match between India and Pakistan, which was won by Pakistan, the celebration of the Pakistani team contained some behaviour that warranted further investigation by me as Tournament Director.’ “As a result I have spoken to the Head Coach of the Pakistan team, Mr Shahnaz Sheikh, and told him that the behaviour of Pakistan players went beyond what is acceptable to standards of the FIH.
“The behaviour in question concerned many members of the Pakistan team. It is difficult to find any particular miscreant, and it is possible that the behaviour of the players may have been a reaction,” said FIH. “Mr Shahnaz Sheikh has apologised and assured me that this behaviour will not occur again. Given these matters, I’ve decided that no further action is warranted,” the statement further read.
Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh came running onto the pitch, seeing his players reaction.
At the post-match press conference, however, Sheikh apologised.
(AGENCIES)
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