Saturday, October 29, 2011

Hockey News
At Tri-Nation Hockey Tournament, Australia

Disciplinary action taken over Indian players and official but other hand action taken against only Pakistan captain.

Young forward Gurvinder Singh Chandi and penalty corner coach Jugraj Singh were slapped with five-match suspensions each, another Indian player Gurbaj Singh has been banned for three matches ... Indian hockey skipper Tushar Khandekar is banned for one match.

Pakistan’s hockey captain Shakeel Abbasi is banned for one match as a penalty for indulging in the physical fight on the ground.


“It is very disappointing to see the players being suspended,” said Indian coach Michael Nobbs, hinting that the disaster was waiting to happen due to the poor choice of umpires. “Even before the start of the match, I requested the tournament director to opt for neutral umpires since the match between these two teams can go out of control, but the technical director did not heed my request.

“I really don’t know what happened but the Pakistan players were the ones who instigated our players. It’s really sad that we have received the bulk of the punishment and they’ve gotten away rather lightly.”

The intensely-fought contest, which saw Pakistan reduce a three-goal deficit with a stirring second-half display, turned ugly when Indian umpire Bhupinder Singh awarded India a penalty corner after Gurbaj’s clearance caught Shafqat Rasool’s leg.

Clearly enraged, three Pakistani players, led by skipper Shakeel Abbasi, pounced on Gurbaj, triggering the free-for-all. That match was called off with a minute and 35 seconds left, the 3-3 result remaining intact.

As a result of the sanctions, India’s Champions Challenge campaign in South Africa next month will take a huge hit. “We have to pick a team of 16 for the Champions Challenge. If Chandi is named, he will have to sit out for at least two matches. That is a cause for concern and leaves us in a difficult situation. I will submit my report to Hockey India on my return.”

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