Bahrain’s Baqer gets 10-game ban for racist gesture

LAUSANNE:FIFA has banned Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer for 10 matches for ‘discriminatory behaviour’ in a World Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, soccer’s world governing body has said.

Baqer, 25, was captured on video making a slant-eyed gesture in the direction of Hong Kong supporters after a goalless draw in the city on November 14. FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Baqer last month and announced that the player had also been fined 30,000 Swiss francs (US$30,549.90) and warned over his conduct.

FIFA, EPL NORMS VARY

When FIFA asked every competition to enforce a three-step procedure in response to racism at matches, the Premier League did not follow the advice.

That disregard of the protocols set out by FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura in a July letter to every national association has created confusion as English football reels from another marquee game being tarnished by racism.

Tottenham has asked the Premier League to clarify the procedures it follows in the wake of the fallout from Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger reporting being subjected to monkey noises from the home fans in Sunday’s London derby. Rudiger’s complaint was followed by a warning announcement to fans in the Tottenham stadium: “Racist behavior among spectators is interfering with the game.” By ordering the announcement, referee Anthony Taylor was clearly following the first step of the the FIFA and UEFA anti-racism protocol, which then allows the suspension of the game and eventual abandonment if abuse continues.