Sikh Student In US Stopped From Playing Football Match For Wearing Turban

A Sikh student in the US state of Pennsylvania was allegedly removed from a high school-level soccer game by a referee for wearing a turban. The boy was identified as Gurdeep Mudhar.

Officials from the Marple-Newtown School District said the incident occurred on Tuesday when the high school student was playing against the Conestoga High team. Witnesses said the referee would not allow the player onto the field because he was wearing the turban in compliance with his Sikh faith.

The referee reportedly cited National Federation of High School Soccer rules that state: Illegal equipment shall not be worn by any player. Types of equipment which are illegal include, but are not limited to helmets, hats, caps or visors." According to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), districts can apply for exemptions from such rules by requesting certain players be allowed to wear religious items.

Marple Newtown School District officials were informed about the incident and have opened a probe to find out if the player's religious rights were violated by the decision.