Pak hockey players could face stiffer ban: FIH

New Delhi, December 19

The FIH president Leandro Negre said that the disciplinary committee of the parent body could hand out a stiffer punishment to the Pakistani hockey players Md Tousiq and Ali Amjad for making obscene gestures post their Champions Trophy semifinal. 

“Whenever such a situation arises, the technical director of the tournament takes the final call. The correct decision was taken after watching the videos and photos of the Pakistani players' celebrations. The matter is with the disciplinary committee now and it will decide what more action needs to be taken against the players," FIH top boss Negre said.

Reacting to Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh's allegations that it was an "Indian conspiracy”, behind punishing his players, Negre said that it was Sheikh's personal view. "What the Pakistani coach has said is his view. The reaction of the Pakistani players was not polite at all. It was rather provocative. The FIH did exactly what they had to do and took the right decision (to ban two players),” Negre added.   — PTI