New Zealand abandons Qatar friendly at halftime over alleged racist comment

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand deserted its soccer pleasant in opposition to Qatar at halftime in Austria on Monday after accusing a Qatari participant of creating a racist remark to defender Michael Boxall.

In an announcement issued on Tuesday, Football New Zealand stated the workforce refused to play the second half when the referee declined to take motion.

New Zealand was main 1-0 in Ritzing.

The incident occurred after Qatar was awarded a free kick. The New Zealanders complained Qatar’s Yousuf Abdurisag made a racist remark to Boxall, who’s of Samoan heritage.

After a melee between the groups, New Zealand captain Joe Bell complained to referee Manuel Schuttengruber, who shook his head, indicating he wouldn’t take motion in opposition to the Qatar participant.

Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz stated on the tv broadcast of the match that he had not heard the remark.

“The facts are the following. Apparently two players on the pitch exchanged words,” Queiroz stated. “The New Zealand gamers determined to help their teammate simply as our workforce determined to help our participant.

“They determined to desert the sport with no witnesses. The referee didn’t hear (to what was stated). It’s simply an argument between two gamers.

“It’s a new chapter in football which is, for sure, something nobody can understand. Let’s let the football authorities make a decision. This game will be under observation from FIFA for sure.”

The New Zealand Professional Footballers’ Association stated it stood by the New Zealand gamers.

“We have contacted the team and will work with NZ Football to support the players in any way required,” the NZPFA said. “There is no room for racism in our sport.”