ISL 2015: Another blow for Atletico de Kolkata as Sahni gets banned for two matches

The 28-year-old forward has been a regular in Antonio Habas' starting line-up, but will now miss their next two games against FC Pune City and NorthEast United FC.

In the 61st minute of their match against FC Goa, Sahni got involved in an altercation with Gregory Arnolin. It soon deteriorated into an ugly incident when Sahni head-butted the defender. The referee wasted no time in handing the Indian forward a red card, which led to Atletico playing the rest of the game with 10 men.

Consequentially, Sahni has now been handed a two-match ban, along with a fine of Rs. 5 Lakh. The ISL oraganizers have released a statement confirming the above. "Baljit Sahni, Jersey No.6, player of Atletico de Kolkata has been suspended for next two matches of Hero Indian Super League and fined Rs 500,000 (Rupees Five Lakh only) for breach of All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Code (Article 58) of Offensive Behavior and Fair Play during the match between FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata on October 7 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda Goa," read the statement.

This will come as a big blow for the Kolkata based team, who are already missing two key players. The reigning champions have earlier confirmed the absence of their marquee striker, Helder Postiga, for a month due to an injury, while Oftense Nato will miss the next game against Kerala due to international duty.

“We would like to update that our midfielder Oftense Nato, has gone to play for his national team as he had prior commitment. He will join us back on 15th October and will be playing for Atletico de Kolkata's away match against FC Pune City on 17th October," read an official statement released by Atletico.