India striker Akashdeep Singh faces a possible two-match suspension for breaching the Code of Conduct at the end of India’s quarter-final loss against the Netherlands in the Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

According to a statement from the world hockey federation, the striker had allegedly “used foul language or gesture(s) that was seriously obscene and offensive or having a ‘seriously insulting nature to another participant or any other third person at the conclusion of India’s quarter-final against the Netherlands on Thursday” [sic].

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India lost the quarter-final 1-2 to the Netherlands, after which the players were seen protesting with the umpires. India were reduced to 10 men soon after Netherlands’ second goal in the fourth quarter, after Amit Rohidas received a yellow card for making an early rush in the Dutch team’s earlier attempt.

India coach Harendra Singh had also criticised the umpires after the defeat, saying his team played “13 versus 11”. FIH President Narinder Batra and CEO Thierry Weil rebuked Harendra’s comments and said they will be reviewed.

Akashdeep faces a possible two-match suspension at the next top FIH event, according to the release. In his decision, FIH technical delegate Christian Deckenbrock indicated that if India had still been in the competition, he would have suspended Akashdeep for the next two matches.

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However, in accordance with tournament regulations, Deckenbrock decided to give written notice of his decision to FIH CEO Thierry Weil and to recommend him to refer the case to the FIH disciplinary commissioner.

“Furthermore, the delegate stated that he will recommend that a suspension should apply for the next FIH top tier competition (including FIH Series Final) at which India will participate and that it should also be considered whether the number of players which India may use in these matches will be limited according to 5.1 of the FIH tournament regulations,” the statement further added.

With inputs from PTI