LONDON, Sept 5: The family of Najeib Sarfaraz, a student of Pakistani origin, has criticized the decision by the football authorities to lift the ban on two English players — Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate.

Both the players were involved in a racially-motivated attack on Najeib around two years ago.

The attack on the 23-year old student from South Yorkshire is considered in Britain as one of high profile racial attack. Najieb suffered a broken leg, nose and a fractured cheekbone. Cuts to his eyebrow had to be glued together.

Suresh Grover, a spokesman for the Najeib family, said: “The family is very disappointed with the decision of Football Association and the manager of the English football team to allow the accused players to take part in the championship.”