Karachi, Dec 19: Pakistan hockey team coach Shahnaz Sheikh stated Friday that it was ‘India’s conspiracy’ to put pressure on his players ahead of the Champions Trophy final against Germany, which his team lost 0-2.
Pakistan players had made obscene gestures towards the Indian spectators while celebrating their 4-3 win against India in the semifinal of the tournament in Bhubaneswar, forcing FIH to the ban two players – Amjad Ali and Mohammed Tousiq.
Alleging foul play, Sheikh stated that a ‘small incident’ was blown out of proportion.
“The way the incident of our players celebrating after the semifinal win over India was blown out of proportion and the manner in which we were put under pressure before the final against Germany is a confirmation of Indian conspiracy.
“They didn’t want us to win the title,” Sheikh said in an interview. He also complained that the team wasn’t provided with any security as they were returning by bus crossing the Wagah Border. “It was a long drive and there was no security escort given to us,” fumed Sheikh.
Defending his players, Sheikh said that their action was not because of any wrong intention. “It was natural action on their part,” he asserted.
Stiffer punishment expected
FIH president Leandro Negre said Friday that disciplinary committee of the parent body could hand out a stiffer punishments to the Pakistani hockey players Md Tousiq and Ali Amjad for making obscene gestures post their Champions Trophy semifinal win against India.
“The matter is with the disciplinary committee now and it will decide what more action needs to be taken against the players,” 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. I have my own opinion on the matter. The reaction of the Pakistani players was not polite at all. It was rather provocative,” he added.
PTI