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Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Bahrain player who aimed ‘slant-eye’ gesture at Hong Kong supporters after World Cup qualifier
- Fifa confirms proceedings have been opened against Sayed Baqer
- Bahraini player made gesture following goalless draw in Hong Kong last week
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World football governing body Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the player who allegedly directed a racist gesture towards home fans during Hong Kong’s Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier against Bahrain on November 14.
Video footage appeared to show Bahraini defender Sayed Baqer directing the slant-eyed gesture towards jeering Hong Kong supporters right before leaving the pitch. The group C match ended 0-0.
A Fifa spokesperson told the Post on Wednesday: “Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the player in relation to this matter.”
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The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) responded to the statement: “HKFA received the match commissioner report from the game and there was no mention of any incident. Therefore HKFA will report the matter.”
Baqer, a 25-year-old defender who plays club football for Al-Nasr SC in Kuwait, appeared frustrated at the time-wasting tactics employed by some Hong Kong players as the game drew to a close. A small fracas broke out after the final whistle causing home fans to jeer the opposition players as they left the field.
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Following Hong Kong’s 2-0 win over Cambodia on Tuesday – before Fifa’s statement was released – coach Mixu Paatelainen did not comment on the incident itself but shared his thoughts on respect in football.
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