Describing as "sad" and "unfortunate" the spat between Hockey India and the national squad players, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan Monday said the issue should be resolved.

"It's realty sad and unfortunate that hockey is suffering this kind of setback. Hockey is no doubt a special sport and we have a great history in the game, " said Shah Rukh, who played the role of a hockey coach in the megahit movie "Chak De! India".

With only one and a half months left before the World Cup in New Delhi, the hockey players began a boycott of the training camp in Pune Friday and refused to return until their allowances-dues were paid to them.

"Everyone has the right to protest in whatever way they feel right. Focus should be on resolving the matter and not highlighting the crisis, " said the actor.