Quebec premier backs her soccer federation on turbans; calls suspension 'unacceptable'

MONTREAL – Quebec's premier is backing the decision by her province's soccer federation to ban youngsters from wearing turbans during games.

The Canadian Soccer Association suspended the Quebec Soccer Federation on Monday after the provincial body showed no sign of overturning its decision to uphold a ban on Sikh religious headwear on the field.

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois said Tuesday it's "unacceptable" that the national organization would suspend her province's federation.

The Quebec body cites safety concerns for banning turbans and points to FIFA rules, which don't specifically allow turbans. Others counter that regulations by international soccer's governing body don't explicitly ban turbans, either.