Pakistan hockey coach issues written apology over obscene gestures by players

New Delhi: Pakistan hockey coach Shahnaz Sheikh on Sunday issued an official apology to FIH and Hockey India for the rude and obscene behavior of his players after their win against India in the semi-final of the FIH Men's Champions Trophy 2014 on Saturday.

After a meeting with the FIH officials on Sunday, Sheikh sent out an apology letter.

"The incident that occurred after the match between India and Pakistan on Saturday contained behavior that is considered unacceptable to Pakistan Hockey Federation and the entire hockey community. As a result, I have spoken to my team and explained to them that they are guests in India and as hosts they have been very hospitable to the team.," Sheikh said in his statement.

"Our opinion is that the behaviour of a few of our players should not have occurred," he said.

Sheikh further said that he had also issued a written apology to the tournamnet director Mr Wiert Doyer.

"In addition, I have written to the tournament director Mr Wiert Doyer and sincerely apologised for the behaviour of a few players in my team following this match

I have also spoken with the president and Secretary General of Pakistan Hockey Federation who both agree that the behaviour was not acceptable and they would also submit their regrests to our kind hosts Hockey India and the Indian public.

I hope that in the true spirit of the game, everyone will accept our sincere apologies that is given without any reservations," he added.

Soon after their 4-3 win against India in the semis of Champions Trophy, Pakistani players went into a frenzy and started celebrating their victory in a wild fashion. They removed their shirts, used foul language and made obscene gestures towards the crowd.

Meanhile on Sunday, Hockey India threatened to severe all ties with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) unless they issued an unconditional apology.

Hockey India (HI) president Narinder Batra on Sunday demanded an apology from the Pakistan team and said the one-match ban handed by Federation of International Hockey (FIH) to two Pakistan players is not sufficient.

Later that day, FIH suspended two Pakistani players - Amjad Ali and Muhammad Tousiq - for one match and reprimanded another, Safqat Rasool, for their behaviour.