The private match between Qatar, coached by Portugal’s Carlos Queiroz, and New Zealand was only halfway through after the New Zealand team failed to return after the break, claiming footballer Michael Boxall had suffered a racial slur.
Through a short message published on the social network Twitter, the New Zealand federation revealed that Michael Boxall had been “racially insulted” by an opponent during the early part of the match and that the referee did nothing when a complaint was made to him. submitted. why he decided to leave the game after the break.
Michael Boxall was racially insulted by a player from Qatar during the first half of the game.
No official action was taken, so the team agreed not to come out for the second half of the game.
– New Zealand Football (@NZ_Football) June 19, 2023
At that stage of the game, which took place in Austria, New Zealand was leading 1-0, thanks to a goal by FC Copenhagen midfielder Marko Stamenic in the 17th minute.
Qatar 0-1 New Zealand | Goal: Marko Stamenicpic.twitter.com/ZiOOtciJ6o
– Foot Colic ⚽️ (@Foot Colic) June 19, 2023
Interviewed by a Qatari television channel, Carlos Queiroz was surprised by New Zealand’s decision as it was made on the basis of an alleged event with no witnesses.
“At half-time the New Zealand captain informed us that they had decided not to return to the game. The facts are as follows: apparently two players exchanged words, who said first, who said later, it’s just between them. Zealand decided to support their teammate and of course our whole team supported our player, but the New Zealand staff decided to leave the game, without any witnesses to what happened,” explained the Qatar coach.
The Portuguese coach also claimed that nobody really heard anything: “The referee, the benches, the coaches, nobody listened. It was just a discussion between two players and I think this is a new chapter, which certainly nobody understands. Let’s now leave football.” authorities make a decision about what happened in this friendly match. I think this matter will be overseen by FIFA. I’ve asked the coach, the referees, no one has heard anything, so, apparently without witnesses, I don’t know how FIFA will handle this situation.”
Qatar vs New Zealand was abandoned at half time.
Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz️ pic.twitter.com/SsbeHdyFIw
– Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) June 19, 2023
Source: DN
