Bengaluru FC gamers watch Kerala Blasters FC workforce stroll off the sector throughout their ISL play-off match in Bengaluru on March 3, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Okay. Murali Kumar
Kerala Blasters FC on Friday created large controversy after the workforce determined to stroll off the pitch and forfeit their all-important ISL play-off conflict towards Bengaluru FC, protesting towards a contentious Sunil Chhetri strike.
The Blues will now face League Shield Winners Mumbai City FC in a two-legged semi-final on March 7 and 12 which begin with an away journey.
After a goalless stalemate throughout regulation time on the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru FC took a 97th minute lead when the talismanic Indian captain transformed a free-kick.
But the strike led to a full blown drama because the Adrian Luna-led aspect protested referee Crystal John’s determination to declare it a reputable objective, with counter-claims that he didn’t blow the whistle earlier than Chhetri took the kick and the gamers weren’t prepared.
This adopted an unprecedented walk-out, a primary in ISL the place Serbian coach Ivan Vukomanovic known as again his gamers. Luna was seen taking off his captain’s arm-band together with his teammates following their skipper.
By advantage of their extra-time lead, Bengaluru FC have been declared winners as they’ll journey to Mumbai City Arena for the semfinal on Tuesday.
“I’ve never seen this in my 22 years of career.
This is not the right way to do it,” Chhetri reacted of the KBFC’s walk-out.
On the controversial freekick, he mentioned: “I always ask the referee because if he does not allow, it wouldn’t happen.
“It was a bitter-sweet second. First, we thought if the match would occur or not. But I’m glad that we’re via to the semi-finals. Can’t wait to tackle Mumbai.”
About the goal, Chhetri said that he followed usual rules during a direct free-kick during which it is not mandatory for referee to blow the whistle if the player has already sought permission.
“Referee requested me if I wished the wall or the whistle. They all the time do it. I mentioned that I do not need the whistle in addition to the wall,” Chhetri informed broadcasters after the match.
The forfeiture and stroll out price Blasters dearly as they could face heavy sanctions from the league authorities.
Such an occasion was beforehand seen throughout the Kolkata Derby in I-League 2012 when Mohun Bagan walked off the sector and refused to show up within the second half after spectators hurled a stone at their winger Syed Rahim Nabi from the East Bengal stands.
The Blasters dominated possession within the first half however couldn’t get previous Gurpreet Singh Sandhu within the Bengaluru FC objective.
Relying on the short ft of Roy Krishna and Sivasakthi Narayanan, the Blues have been content material to play on the counter.
The hosts had six photographs within the first half, however just one on track.
Three minutes after the half-hour-mark, Danish Farooq’s glancing header from a nook was missed by an unmarked Victor Mongil on the far publish earlier than the flag went up for offside towards the defender.
The second-half was a lot the identical, because the guests saved extra of the ball and the hosts waited to launch on the counter.
The Blasters had an opportunity to check the keeper by way of a free kick within the 53rd minute, however Luna skied it.
Around the hour-mark, Suresh Wangjam’s effort from exterior the field flew via visitors and compelled a palm behind for a nook by Gill at full stretch.
In the ultimate quarter of the match, the Blasters pressed additional up the pitch, however the Bengaluru FC defence saved its form to deflect assaults.
In the 83rd minute, Dimitrios Diamantakos registered his aspect’s first shot on track however his header was claimed comfortably by Sandhu earlier than the sport went into additional time.
In the primary minute of additional time, Rahul KP tried his luck from vary as his shot picked up a flick from Luna and went inches broad on the far publish. Bengaluru FC responded immediately on the different finish as Bruno Ramires received his head to a nook however despatched it over the bar.
In the seventh minute of additional time, a shortly taken free kick by Chhetri flew into the again of the web.
But the Blasters took to arms contesting that referee John signaled for the Blues to take the free-kick with out them being able to defend because the state of affairs spiraled into chaos.
The Blasters forfeited the match in disagreement with the choice and as Bengaluru FC secured a ninth consecutive win.
Source web site: www.thehindu.com
