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FIFA has banned Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer for ten matches for having made a racist gesture at the end of a World Cup qualifying match against Hong Kong.
Baqer made a ‘slitty eye’ gesture at the local Hong Kong supporters at the conclusion of the 0-0 draw on November 14.
The incident was captured on camera from the stands as the players left the field and the footage was posted on Twitter.
The 25-year-old was charged with “discriminatory behaviour” and, as well as his match ban, was hit with a fine of 30,000 Swiss francs ($30,500).
Football’s world governing body announced in July that it was doubling its minimum ban for anyone found guilty of racist behaviour to 10 matches.
Baqer, a defender, plays for Al-Nasr in Kuwait and made his senior international debut on October 7, 2016 in a 3-1 friendly win over Philippines.
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