PHF won't act against brawlers

Karachi:

Pakistan Thursday ruled out taking action against their players who were involved in a brawl during the semi-final against India in the Junior Asia Cup hockey being played in Indian city Hyderabad.

Pakistan team's chief coach Jehangir Butt in a telephonic message here confirmed this. "So far we haven't received any notice from the tournament director Krishnamamurthy," said Butt, "and I believe the matter has been closed."

It was five minutes before half-time Wednesday when India were leading 1-0, that the players of both sides came to blows. Swiftly the officials of both the teams intervened and calm prevailed. India beat Pakistan 3-1 in the match to qualify for the final against Korea.

Commenting on the incident, Asif Bajwa, secretary Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said, "Such incidents do happen particularly when Pakistan and India are playing because the emotions run high. But once the match is over it's all normal as before. So, both Pakistan and India shouldn't fuss about it."

However, Butt claimed that Polish umpire was unjustified in showing yellow card to Pakistan's midfielder Muhammad Irfan as it was he (Irfan) who was being deliberately pushed down rather violently by an Indian player, starting the whole brawl. He felt the Indian player should have also been shown the yellow card.

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