The private match between Qatar, led by the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, and New Zealand, had only one part, after the New Zealand team did not return after the break, alleging that the footballer Michael Boxall suffered a racist insult.
Through a brief note posted on Twitter, the New Zealand federation revealed that Michael Boxall was “racially abused” by an opponent during the first part of the match and that the referee did nothing when a complaint was filed, which is why which decided to leave the game after the break.
In that part of the game, which was played in Austria, New Zealand led 1-0, thanks to a goal from midfielder Marko Stamenic, a player for the Danes at FC Copenhagen, in the 17th minute.
Interviewed by a Qatari television channel, Carlos Queiroz was surprised by New Zealand’s decision, considering that it was taken based on an alleged fact without 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 his teammate and, of course, our whole team supported our player, but the staff of New Zealand decided to leave the game, without witnesses to what happened,” explained the Qatar coach.
The Portuguese coach also assured 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, that nobody understands. The football authorities take a decision”. about what happened in this friendly match. I think this case will be under the observation of FIFA. I asked the coach, the referees, nobody heard anything, so apparently without witnesses, I don’t know how FIFA will handle this situation.”
Source: TSF
