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.
Minnesota United's Michael Boxall 'racially abused' in New Zealand vs. Qatar friendly; match halted
The New Zealand men's national soccer team accused a Qatari opponent of racially abusing Loons player Michael Boxall and refused to take the field for Monday's second half in Austria.
June 19, 2023 at 11:55PM
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."
The New Zealand Professional Footballers' Association said it stood by the New Zealand players.
"We have contacted the team and will work with NZ Football to support the players in any way required," the NZPFA said. "There is no room for racism in our sport."
Boxall is one of five Loons players who are away to play for their national teams on a current FIFA international break. He and fellow defender Brent Kallman also are the only Loons left from the team's inaugural MLS season in 2017.
Boxall started for New Zealand and played 82 minutes in Friday's 4-1 international friendly loss to Sweden in Stockholm. He started Monday's game, which New Zealand led 1-0 at halftime, as well and is expected back with the Loons for Saturday's game at Real Salt Lake.
Also on Monday, Ireland's Under-21 team left the field in a friendly against Kuwait after an opponent reportedly racially abused an Irish substitute.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Minnesota started only two strikers against Seattle, leaving Sang Bin Jeong and Joseph Rosales to provide the width behind Teemu Pukki and Kelvin Yeboah.
