Save Indian football from being taken hostage: ISL Match Commissioner
ISL runners-up FC Goa find themselves in more trouble after the match commissioner AK Mamu Koya urged action “to save Indian football from being taken hostage by a few people.”
A K Mamu Koya, who was the match commissioner for the ISL final between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa, submitted a two-page report slamming FC Goa officials for the ruckus that happened after the final on December 20, to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
"The image of Indian football has been jeopardized as a whole due to irresponsible and illogical behaviour of some officials of FC Goa that brought disrepute to the game of football in India," the match commissioner wrote in his report to the AIFF, reported ToI.
The match commissioner’s report also mentions the details of the incident between FC Goa president Dattaraj Salgaocar and Chennaiyin FC captain Elano Blumer, FC Goa’s boycotting of the prize distribution ceremony and the ill-treatment towards the match officials. (Read: AIFF issue show cause notice to Romeo and Mandar)
A K Mamu Koya’s report also mentions the abusive language used by FC Goa towards Japanese referee Yudai Yamamoto and his two assistants.
"It may not be out of place to mention that referees from other countries may not like to travel to India for any of the matches held under AIFF in future, as message of ill treatment would be known to the world," said Mamukoya, reported ToI.
Mamu Koya's report also describes the incident between FC Goa president Dattaraj Salgaocar and Chennaiyin FC captain Elano Blumer. (Read: FC Goa should not have lodged FIR against Elano: Bhaichung Bhutia)
"I have seen one player of Chennaiyin FC, Elano Blumer (Brazil), 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. It was a chaotic scene all around," said Mamukoya. (Read: Referee should have sent off Elano; FC Goa deserved to win: AIFF vice-president)
The report also mentions how the referees reached the hotel traumatized after armed escorts helped them get out of the stadium.
"In my opinion, the behaviour of FC Goa after the final whistle was unreasonable, indisciplined, bullish and frightening to say the least. It was surely unsporting behaviour of the highest order. FC Goa should have accepted the defeat with dignity and shown respect for laws of the game. (Read: I don't see any benefit ISL can bring to Indian football: Zico)
"In the contrary, the behaviour of Chennaiyin FC was much dignified and respectful to their opponent as seen from their limited and controlled celebration after the win," said the match commissioner about the conduct of both teams after the final whistle, reported ToI. (Read: Chennaiyin FC dedicate ISL title to flood-affected)
The AIFF will forward the match commissioner’s report to the disciplinary committee for further action. (Read: Incredible ISL stats you probably did not know about)
