New Zealand team explains why they withdrew from the match with Qatar despite leading 1-0

The friendly match between Qatar and New Zealand took place on the evening of June 19 (Vietnam time) at the Sonnenseestadion Stadium, Austria. This match was officiated by Austrian referee Manuel Schuttengruber. In the 17th minute, New Zealand took the lead against the host country of the 2022 World Cup thanks to a goal by midfielder Marko Stamenic.

However, after the famous referee Manuel Schuttengruber blew the whistle to end the first half, New Zealand captain Joe Bell and several other players approached him to talk. The two teams then went straight to the tunnel and the New Zealand players did not return to the field of play when the half-time break ended.

Đội tuyển New Zealand lý giải nguyên nhân bỏ trận đấu với Qatar dù dẫn trước 1-0
- Ảnh 1. — Players of both teams react before the match was cancelled.

Immediately, NLZ issued a statement saying: “Michael Boxall was racially abused by a Qatari player in the first half of the match. No official action was taken by the referee so the whole team agreed not to play in the second half of the match.”

Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz reacted to the New Zealand players’ withdrawal, saying after the match: “They abandoned the game. It was clear that there was a conversation between the two players on the pitch, but the New Zealand players decided to support their teammate. On the contrary, our team decided to support our player.

This is a new story, a new chapter in football, that's for sure. Something that no one can understand. I think this case will definitely be under the supervision of FIFA."

Đội tuyển New Zealand lý giải nguyên nhân bỏ trận đấu với Qatar dù dẫn trước 1-0
- Ảnh 2. — Michael Boxall is at the heart of the case

In addition to NLZ, the New Zealand Professional Footballers’ Association (NZPFA) also defended Michael Boxall on Twitter, stating: “The NZPFA will be a strong supporter of the New Zealand players. We commend and support the players’ calm response to this difficult situation. We have been in contact with the team and will work with the NZL to support the players in any way required. There is no place for racism in our sport .”

On June 19, in addition to the friendly match between New Zealand and Qatar being canceled, the match between Ireland U.21 and Kuwait U.21 was canceled for the same reason. The Irish Football Association also announced that a player on the team had been racially abused by a Kuwait U.21 player. The entire Ireland U.21 team decided not to continue playing despite leading their opponents 3-0. At the same time, they announced that they would report the incident to FIFA and UEFA.