New Zealand did not play the second half of an international soccer friendly against Qatar on Monday after its national team said starting defender — and Minnesota United veteran — Michael Boxall was "racially abused" by an opponent.
In a statement, New Zealand Football said its team agreed to not play the second half after no action was taken by the referee at halftime. The game was played in Ritzing, Austria.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the 40th minute after Qatar was awarded a free kick. Qatar's Yusuf Abdurisag made a comment to Boxall, which angered Boxall — who is of Samoan heritage — and his teammates.
After a melee between the teams, New Zealand captain Joe Bell complained to referee Manuel Schuttengruber, who indicated he would not take any action against Abdurisag.
Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz said on the television broadcast that he had not heard the comment.
"The facts are the following. Apparently two players on the pitch exchanged words," Queiroz said. "The New Zealand players decided to support their teammate just as our team decided to support our player.
"They decided to abandon the game with no witnesses. The referee did not listen [to what was said]. It's just an argument between two players.
"It's a new chapter in football which is, for sure, something nobody can understand. Let's let the football authorities make a decision. This game will be under observation from FIFA for sure."
