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 in 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 Angoue 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 in their Hero Indian Super League match against Bengaluru FC held on December 15, 2019," the AIFF said 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 Angoue a monkey and "made some gestures" which were disrespectful.
Angoue joined Mumbai in August 2019 and has made five appearances for the team so far. He made his Gabon debut in 2014 and also has eight caps for the national team.