Pak players' misconduct: Hockey India demands suo moto action from FIH

Hockey India president Narendra Batra on Sunday demanded suo moto action from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and an unconditional apology from the Pakistan Hockey Federation over the Pakistani players' obscene gestures following their victory in the Hero Champions Trophy semi-final.

"This is unacceptable. If the rules of the FIH are so weak, then we would request FIH to take them to a country which can tolerate these gesturing and behaviour. FIH has seen everything. They should take suo moto action. If they don't take suo moto action, then all these tournaments will not come to India," Batra sternly warned.

He added that the India-Pakistan bilateral series would not take place until the Pakistan Hockey Federation gives an unconditional apology over their players' behaviour.

"As for the India-Pakistan bilateral series from March, it will not take place until Pakistan Hockey Federation gives an unconditional apology over their players' behaviour," said Batra.

The Pakistani players had yesterday celebrated their victory by taking off their shirts and making obscene gestures towards the spectators and the media.

Their behaviour came under heavy criticism from various quarters, with former Indian hockey player Ashok Dhyanchand terming their antics as 'disgraceful'.

The International Hockey Federation, however, stated that no further action was warranted against the players as their coach had tendered an apology for their on-field behaviour.