The Stream

Indians and Pakistanis take hockey game fight online

Pakistani field hockey team accused of misbehaviour, while Twitter users say Indian spectators provoked them.

Indians and Pakistanis online exchanged harsh words after a close field hockey match ended in insults.

Pakistan beat India by a score of 4-3 in the Champions Trophy semi-final last weekend. The match, which took place in India, concluded with some Pakistani players pulling off their jerseys and gesturing to spectators. 

As Pakistan’s coach apologised for the incident, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) reprimanded the players but stated “no further action will be taken”. However, the chief of Indian hockey threatened to end tournaments in India and severe ties with the Pakistan Hockey Federation unless they issued an unconditional apology. Soon after, two Pakistani players were suspended for one match by the FIH.

Many online shared images and videos of the Pakistani team celebration.