The FIH says the Shivender ban was not a "biased decision" and it was to avoid more such incidents.

By Anshul Baijal

Even as the Indian media had created a hue and cry over the suspension of India forward Shivendra Singh, saying it was an attempt to malaise Asian powerhouses like India and Pakistan, the international hockey federation says it was not racially motivated.

FIH communication manager Arjen Meijer said that the ban was imposed as the player has committed a level 2 offence, which includes physical assault without serious injury.

"The ban was imposed on the basis of video evidence available to us. We don't want such incidents in world hockey, so we have taken corrective measures," said Meijer.

Shivendra's ban has been reduced from three matches to two after a hearing convened by a FIH-appointed jury Tuesday morning. But the answers given by Meijer were not convincing as the ban was imposed by FIH tournament director Ken Read, who is an Australian.

India play Australia on Tuesday evening in a crucial group B clash. Champions Trophy winners Australia have lost their first game against England, while India are on a high after thrashing Pakistan 4-1.

Former India stars Zafar Iqbal and Aslam Sher Khan say the FIH suspension was "motivated" and smacked of "double standards." Zafar said: "The Australians play a very physical game, but they go scot free."

Hockey India said it was helpless under the circumstances. Its secretary Narinder Batra said: "We are unhappy with the ban. Reducing by a match doesn't help, but there is little we can do."

All eyes will be on tonight's match. It remains to be seen how India handles Aussie aggression.