Pakistan hockey team coach Shahnaz Sheikh made allegations that it was “India’s conspiracy” to put pressure on his players ahead of the Champions Trophy final against Germany, which his team lost 0-2.
Pakistan players had engaged in wild celebrations after beating India 4-3 in the semifinal with some taking their jerseys off while making obscene gesture towards the Indian spectators. As a result two of his players Amjad Ali and Mohammed Tousiq were banned.
“The way the incident of our players celebrating after the semifinal win over India was blown out of proportion and the manner in which we were put under pressure before the final against Germany is a confirmation of Indian conspiracy.
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They didn’t want us to win the title,” Sheikh said.
“It was natural action on their part and it wasn’t done with any wrong intention. They are youngsters and they got emotional and carried away. But the way the incident was blown out of proportion and the way I was pressurised to submit a public apology was an awful experience,” said Sheikh.
He went on to allege that even India’s behaviour after their Asian Games triumph was not at all sporting.
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“When the Indians beat us in the Asian Games final, they also celebrated in a big way and they made signs but we accepted all that in sporting spirit because such celebrations are done at spur of the moment. It’s not meant to convey any message,” said Sheikh.