A physical education teacher in Tamil Nadu has been suspended following allegations of kicking and slapping students from a football team due to their performance in a recent tournament. The teacher, Annamalai, was suspended after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

The incident took place at a government-aided school near Mettur in the Salem district.

The video shows Annamalai assaulting students who were seated on the ground in their jerseys and football boots. He is also seen pulling their hair.

In the footage, Annamalai is heard questioning the students, saying, “Are you a man or a woman? How could you let him score?”—a remark apparently directed at the team’s goalkeeper.

He further berated another student, asking, “How did you let the ball get past you?” and added, “Can’t you play under pressure?”

He also questioned another student, “Why was there no communication?” before slapping him.

NDTV has not yet independently verified the video.

A senior officer from the district education department confirmed the suspension, stating, “We have suspended the teacher and will conduct a thorough inquiry.”