Zico says ISL video used to punish FC Goa is doctored
Referring to the video showing Chennaiyin FC captain Elano's manhandling by FC Goa officials, Goa coach Zico today called the video doctored. The Brazilian also slammed the heavy punishments meted out to the team and its owners saying he feels “disgust” for the order by the ISL committee.
"That video is clearly cooked! Anyone with sense can see there is a cut before the assault on the owner, and surely all the reaction that came from our team members was not without motive," Zico said about the video, reported PTI.
The controversial series of events happened during the ISL final which saw Chennaiyin down the Goan side to take the trophy. In the aftermath of the match, Chennaiyin captain Elano was accused by Goa FC co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar of assaulting him, while Elano claimed he was the victim of the incident. Elano was initially detained on the charges but was allowed to leave for Brazil later.
"We were there -- Coaches
The video, which had come out nearly half a year after the incident, had finally forced the committee's hand in meting out instant punishment to the Goa-based team. The committee docked the Goa team of 15 points next season and a massive sum of Rs. 11 crores along with banning their owners Shrinivas Dempo and Dattaraj Salgaocar from the ISL matches.
"I have no words! I feel disgust for the order taken by the committee. How can ISL put such a heavy fine of Rs 11 crore (around USD 1.6 million), put bans of
Zico further attacked the veracity of the video saying, “Interestingly, I could notice that in no time you can hear about the second goal of Mendoza that was scored by hand. It was one of the main things that extolled the spirits of those who were in the field as well
"They deal with it as nothing really had happened. The video of this goal went viral but they speak that was not conclusive, but an edited video like this one brought
Meanwhile, former India captain and Dempo player Bruno Coutinho said, "This is wrong and harsh judgment and extremely disturbing.
"The owner made a mistake, so what? But this is an unfair punishment of Rs 11 crore. Both the owners are good people and have done a lot for football. On what grounds have they fined Rs 11 crore and on what basis have they been docked for 15 points?" Coutinho questioned. Dempo FC is owned by Shrinivas Dempo, who also is the owner of FC Goa.
India's former goalkeeper Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, who played for another Goan club Salgaocar, also said, "The judgment is very bad, and for this to come after four months is extremely unfair.
"I don't understand what they have to gain and it is very bad for football. Both Dattaraj and Shrinivas are gentlemen and have done a lot for football. Show us what they have done to deserve this," he added.