India striker Sunil faces disciplinary action

India striker SV Sunil will face a disciplinary action for raising his middle finger at the spectators after scoring the winning goal against Pakistan in the Azlan Shah Cup match.

Sunil’s gesture caught the attention of the tournament director after television replays showed the striker celebrating his 69th minute goal, which sealed the match 2-1 in India’s favour, by throwing a punch in the air with one finger raised as he got off the turf and ran back.

The incident did not come to the notice of officials immediately but slow motion replays of the goal were discussed last night by television commentators.

The Tournament Director Sarinder Dillon of Hong Kong has summoned the Indian team manager tomorrow before the last round of the round-robin league matches that begin after a day’s rest.

Dillon said he had seen the video but would not talk about the subject only after meeting the Indian manager.

“I have seen the match’s video and I’ll meet the Indian team manager tomorrow regarding the incident,” Dillon said, refusing to elaborate if any disciplinary action would be taken on Sunil.

Other tournament officials said any action against the errant player would first be intimated to the team concerned before it is announced.

The Indian squad seemed oblivious of the developments even as the Tournament Director was announcing the decision of summoning the team’s manager.