A Fijian player has been banned for seven-matches by the Oceania Football after finding him guilty of racially abusing a referee, reportedly for referring to “white people”.

Samuela Drudru of Lautoka FC allegedly made racial remarks when he was sent off during last month’s semi-final of the OFC Champions League, the confederation’s showpiece tournament, after receiving a second yellow card.

The OFC disciplinary committee imposed the sanction after receiving a report from referee Campbell-Kirk Waugh of New Zealand following the game against Marist FC of the Solomon Islands.

It also banned Drudru from entering football stadiums during his suspension and fined him NZ$7,500 ($5,200).

The OFC did not detail Drudru’s alleged remarks but the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported he made reference to “white people” before leaving the field.

He was charged under rules barring derogatory remarks “on account of race, colour, language, religion or ethnic origin”.

Lautoka still reached the Champions League final without Drudru but were thrashed 6-0 by Team Wellington in the first leg last week. The second leg will be played on Sunday.