Fifa World Cup: 10-match ban for Bahrain player over racist gesture against Hong Kong fans; HKFA fined after booing of anthem
- Sayed Baqer receives a HK$238,000 fine after video footage appeared to show him making a slant-eye gesture to Hong Kong fans after the match
- Fifa says the Bahraini breached two of its disciplinary codes with his behaviour
World football governing body Fifa has completed its disciplinary proceedings against the Bahrain player who appeared to have directed a racist gesture towards Hong Kong fans during their Fifa World Cup 2022 qualifier on November 14.
Sayed Baqer was banned for 10 matches and fined 30,000 Swiss francs (US$30,500) for breaching article 12 and 13 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (FDC). Fifa also issued a warning against the 25-year-old defender, who plays his club football for Kuwaiti side Al-Nasr.
The Hong Kong Football Association was also fined 30,000 Swiss francs for failing to comply with article 16 of the FDC (orderly and security at matches) during their two World Cup qualifying home matches against Cambodia and Bahrain.
“We feel very disappointed as we have already warned the [fans] of the consequences of such behaviours,” said HKFA chairman Pui Kwan-kay.