FORMER Colchester United captain Tommy Smith was among the substitutes as New Zealand's friendly international with Qatar was cut short following an instance of alleged racism.

Smith, who was released by the U's last month, was on the bench for the game in Austria which ended early after the New Zealand Football Association said one of its players, Michael Boxall, had a racist remark directed at him in the first half by a Qatari opponent.

The New Zealand match was played under FIFA jurisdiction, meaning the referee's report will be sent to the global governing body as a matter of course.

 

FIFA would be expected to take a tough stance if the allegation is found proven.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week: "It's very important not just to talk about racism and discrimination, but to take action in a decisive and convincing manner - zero tolerance.

"There is no football if there is racism - so let's stop the games.

"The referees have this opportunity in FIFA competitions as we have this process for stopping the game, and actions have to be taken at every level, at national level as well."

Infantino made the remarks after meeting with the Brazil squad in Barcelona, including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior who has been on the receiving end of repeated racial abuse in Spain this year.