Striker Prabhjot Singh lost his cool and showed his middle finger to an irate crowd that booed the players after India lost to Argentina 2-4 to finish eigth in the 12-team Hockey World Cup here Friday.

As the Indian players came for the post-match presentation at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, some fans started to abuse them. Minutes later, captain Rajpal Singh and Prabhjot rushed to argue with the spectators on the other side of the fencing.

Securitymen rushed in and brought the situation under control, though a few bitter fans continued to raise slogans against the players.