New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) Taking a serious note of the three-match ban imposed on centre forward Shivendra Singh, former India captain Zafar Iqbal claimed Asian players have always been meted out a harsh treatment by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Zafar, who was member of the Olympics gold winning team in 1980, said he is not surprised by Shivendra's suspension. Shivendra was punished for 'deliberately hitting' Pakistan's Fareed Ahmed during the Sunday night match.

'We have seen in the past that Indian and Pakistani players have been treated harshly by the FIH. So, I am not surprised by their decision,' Zafar, a government nominee on the national selection committee, said on the sidelines of the World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Monday.

'It was surprising to see that even without any complaint from the on-field umpires or the Pakistani team, the tournament director took such a decision.'

Recalling an incident from the past, Zafar said: 'During the 1982 World Cup in Mumbai, I gave a pass to Surinder Singh Sodhi, who scored a fantastic goal, and the umpire allowed it. But the other umpire came running from the far end and disallowed it.'

'I am not supporting what Shivendra has done. But a three-match suspension is absolutely harsh,' he said.