Chennaiyin FC dedicate ISL title to flood-affected

“None of us have gone back home yet for we wanted to share the cup with the people of Chennai first,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner Abhishek Bachchan at the Nehru stadium on Monday.

A handful of players and co-owner Vita Dani also joined Abhishek in the media session at the Nehru stadium before proceeding for a fan event in St Bede’s school.(Read: Never-say-die Chennai come back to lift ISL crown in nail-biting final)

“It was heartbreaking for the boys that they were not able to play the first-leg semi-final at the Marina Arena. The team played this tournament for the people of Chennai and the journey would be incomplete if we don’t share the victory with our fans,” Abhishek added.

Elano Blumer, who has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, was also part of the celebrations in Chennai, refuting media claims of his departure.

“We were overwhelmed by what was happening on the field that we couldn’t notice it,” said Abhishek, when asked about the incident involving FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar and the Brazilian midfielder.

However, the one man who noticed the unsavoury incident was the All India Football Federation (AIFF) chief Praful Patel. He tweeted on Monday that he is waiting for the match commissioners’ report before taking action on the wrongdoers.

According to media reports, heavy sanctions could be imposed on FC Goa players for boycotting the prize distribution ceremony and for their attack on the match officials.