Due to accusations of racism: New Zealand cancels a test match against Qatar

Because of accusations of racism
New Zealand cancels its friendly match against Qatar

June 19, 2023 at 11:17 pm

In an international match against World Cup host Qatar, the New Zealand team did not return to the field after half-time. Previously, it was said that a racist attack occurred against one of the team’s players during a verbal exchange.

The New Zealand national football team has canceled a friendly match against former World Cup host Qatar due to an alleged racist insult. According to their own information, the white team did not participate in the second half of the match that was held in Ritzing, Austria, this evening. The New Zealand Football Association said on Twitter: “Michael Boxall was subjected to racist abuse by a Qatari player in the first half. No official action was taken, so the team agreed not to participate in the second half.”

The 34-year-old central defender Boxall plays in Major League Soccer for FC United Minnesota. What exactly happened is unclear. The Qatari Federation merely commented on the withdrawal of the white team via a tweet, without delving into the circumstances of the matter. New Zealand said it had withdrawn from a friendly match that was being used to prepare for the Gold Cup. There was no comment initially on these accusations.

According to the New Zealand Herald, the incident is said to have occurred in the 40th minute, but the cameras did not capture it. After a free kick for Qatar, Boxall reportedly went to the referee and to Youssef Abdul Razzaq, who had committed a foul and said something to him while he was still sitting on the ground. Abdul Razzaq is said to have stood up and said something to Boxall, at which point half the New Zealanders reacted and complained to the referee before half-time and the New Zealanders remained in the dressing room. New Zealand was leading 1-0 at the time. Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz said that the referee did not hear the verbal altercation.