AIFF disciplinary committee to investigate Saudi referee’s allegedly racist remark

Mumbai City FC head coach Jorge Costa had alleged that the referee, who officiated his side’s match against Bengaluru FC on Sunday, called Kevyn a monkey.

Head coach Jorge Costa said "monkey gestures" were made against Mumbai midfielder Kevyn Serge Aboue.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday tasked its disciplinary committee to investigate the allegedly racist remarks made against Mumbai City FC’s Serge Kevyn Angoue by Saudi Arabian referee Turki Mohammed Al Khudayr during an Indian Super League match.

Mumbai City FC head coach Jorge Costa had alleged that the referee, who officiated his side’s match against Bengaluru FC on Sunday, called Kevyn a monkey.

“AIFF has received a complaint from Mumbai City FC against Saudi Arabian referee Turki Mohammed Al Khudayr for making racist remarks to Mumbai City FC player Serge Kevyn Angou頩n their Hero Indian Super League match against Bengaluru FC held on December 15, 2019,” said the AIFF in a statement.

“The AIFF follows a zero toleration policy against racism and the complaint has been forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee to investigate into the matter and take appropriate action if found guilty,” it added.

Before starting his media conference after Mumbai City FC’s 3-2 win over Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday, Costa read out a statement, saying that Alkhudhayr called Gabonese player Kevyn a monkey and “made some gestures” which were disrespectful.

Kevyn hails from Gabon, which is an African country. He plays as a mid-fielder for the ISL club.