By SHUBHAJIT Chakraborty

New Delhi, March 1 – India striker Shivendra Singh and Pakistan goalkeeper Irfan Muhammad suspended for three and one matches respectively for violations in the hockey World Cup.

Shivendra was accused for hitting Pakistan’s Fareed Ahmed above the eye in Sunday’s league clash between arch rivals. He was given suspension for three matches by tournament director Ken Read.

Pakistan goalkeeper Irfan Muhammad was also fined by Mr. Read for wearing unapproved glove and knee pad to defend the penalty corner, a statement from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) said.

Shivendra charged under a level 2 offence of FIH’s code of conduct. The code deals with physical attack causing serious injury. In the match between India and Pakistan he scored a goal that resulted a one sided victory to India. This suspension means he will miss India’s vital group B matches against Australia, Spain and England. However, he would be available for last match against South Africa.

Pakistan’s manager Asif Bajwa admitted that goalkeeper’s gloves and knee pad were not taken to the technical committee for approval before the tournament. It was also a technical fault deals under code of conduct. Therefore, Irfan was suspended for one match in line with the rule of Federation. Irfan will sit out of Pakistan’s match against Spain on Tuesday.

Mr. Read after watching video replays of match came into conclusion that Shivendra had hit Fareed with intent. Nevertheless, the online referees didn’t bother about the incident and not penalize the Indian striker during the match.

The 12-nation tournament in the Indian capital ends on March 13.