The AIFF disciplinary Committee, which meets next week, will decide what action needs to be taken against FC Goa’s “unreasonable, undisciplined and bullish” behaviour after their 2-3 loss to Chennaiyin FC in the finals of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Match Commissioner A. K. Mamukoya has asked, in his report to the AIFF, to take necessary action against FC Goa to save Indian Football from being taken hostage by few people from FC Goa. He mentioned that the three Japanese referees were threatened with physical assault by FC Goa staff and players from the substitute bench.
“Immediately after the final whistle, many substitute players and officials led by Rajesh Malgi, Equipment Manager of FC Goa, rushed to the referee, surrounded him and scared him with physical gestures,” he wrote in his two-page report.
“Seeing this, which was unexpected and without any reason, myself and fourth official rushed to the rescue of the referee from Japan. Referees group (from Japan) were still abused in filthy language and were threatened with physical assault,” he added.
FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar claimed that Chennaiyin FC marquee player Elano Blumer had elbowed him and caught his neck, but the Match commissioner hit the Goan team for ganging up on Chennaiyin FC captain, Elano Blumer. He also condemned the behaviour of Salgaocar and AIFF vice-president, Shrinivas Dempo.
“While Chennaiyin FC [were] celebrating their victory close to centre circle, there was another incident in front of FC Goa technical area. I have seen one player of Chennaiyin FC, Elano Blumer, was surrounded by many players and officials of FC Goa who were pushing him. He somehow came out of the melee and ran to join his team,” he said.
“It was chaotic scene all around. Top officials of FC Goa like S. Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar, who I know for long due to their association with football, should have calmed down the situation, instead of becoming part of the undesirable atmosphere,” he mentioned.
Mamukoya claimed that FC Goa officials once again threatened the referees on their way to locker room. He, however, praised the behaviour of Indian Super League (ISL) Champions Chennaiyin FC for their demeanour while stating that players would think twice before choosing to ply their trade in India, thanks to FC Goa’s bullish conduct by opting to file an FIR to get a player arrested.
“In my opinion, the behaviour of FC Goa after the final whistle was unreasonable, undisciplined, bullish and frightening to say the least. It was surely unsporting behaviour of highest order. FC Goa should have accepted the defeat with dignity and shown respect for laws of the game.
“On the contrary, the behaviour of Chennaiyin FC was much dignified and respectful to their opponent as seen from their limited and controlled celebration after win. It was also shocking to know filing of an FIR and getting a player arrested for an alleged assault on a team owner of FC Goa is unprecedented and has done tremendous harm to the game, which could have serious impact on player participation in future,” wrote Mamukoya.
The match Commissioner also wrote that referees from other countries wouldn’t want to officiate in India in future and that FC Goa’s unsporting behaviour has jeopardised the image of Indian football.
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