New Zealand Football is taking a stand against racism in football after the All Whites' decision to abandon their match against Qatar. The match was halted at halftime due to allegations of a "significant" racial slur directed at All Whites centre-back Michael Boxall.
During the game, Qatar winger Yousuf Abdurisag made a comment to Boxall, who is of Samoan heritage, sparking outrage among the New Zealand players and leading to a confrontation. All Whites captain Joe Bell expressed his dissatisfaction with the referee's lack of action.
The slur was not picked up on the broadcast and NZ Football has not disclosed what was said. However, multiple All Whites players heard the remark and NZ Football said it intends to take the matter up with Fifa’s anti-racism taskforce.
"It was a significant racial slur and it has absolutely no place in the game," NZ Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said. All Whites refused to come out for the second half after no action was taken by the referee.
"It was a big decision [to walk out] but I 100% support it," Pragnell added. Clearly there are some big issues in football globally and this was a position of leadership.
"We presented a united front on an issue that needs to be tackled and I’m incredibly proud to be honest that the players took a stand. They should be incredibly proud."
"I think it sends a message around the football community that we need to tackle this issue head on. There’s no place for racism in football."
Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz said on the broadcast that New Zealand had abandoned the match. Queiroz did not hear the comments made by Abdurisag to Boxall but expressed his expectation that Fifa would investigate the incident.
"Apparently two players on the pitch exchanged words. The New Zealand players decided to support their teammate just as our team decided to support our player," Queiroz said. "They decided to abandon the game with no witnesses. The referee did not listen [to what was said]. It’s just an argument between two players."
"I think it’s a new chapter in football which is for sure something nobody can understand. Let’s let the football authorities make a decision. I think this game will be under observation from Fifa for sure."
