'I Will Do It Again' Indian Football Team Coach Igor Stimac Opens Up On Heated Exchange With Pakistan Footballers During SAFF Championship 2023 Clash
In Wednesday's match, India's head coach was sent off for interrupting a quick throw-in from Pakistan. The incident happened just before half-time when the ball rolled outside the pitch and Pakistan defender Abdullah Iqbal prepared to take a throw-in.
New Delhi, June 22: Indian national men's football team head coach Igor Stimac has justified his actions during India's 4-0 victory over Pakistan in their opening Group A match of the SAFF Championship at Sri Kanteerava Stadium and explained that he intervened during a tense moment to protect his team from "unjustified decisions". The highly-anticipated match between the two rivals witnessed a significant amount of drama, with Stimac being shown a red card due to his actions. DRAMA! Igor Stimac Gets into Heated Exchange With Pakistan Players After he Stops Abdullah Iqbal From Throw In, Indian Coach Shown Red Card During IND vs PAK SAFF 2023 Football Match (Watch Video).
In Wednesday's match, India's head coach was sent off for interrupting a quick throw-in from Pakistan. Assistant coach Mahesh Gawali deputised for him on the touchline after the break. "Football is all about passion, especially when you defend the colours of your country. You can hate or love me for my actions yesterday, but I am a warrior and I will do it again when needed to protect our boys on the pitch against unjustified decisions," Stimac tweeted.
Igor Stimac Tweet On the Incident
The incident happened just before half-time when the ball rolled outside the pitch and Pakistan defender Abdullah Iqbal prepared to take a throw-in. However, Stimac was observed approaching him and knocking the ball out of his hand, resulting in an altercation between players from both teams. Sunil Chhetri Hat-Trick Video: Watch Indian Captain’s Three Goals During IND vs PAK SAFF Championship 2023 Match.
Referee Prajwal Chhetri, along with other officials, intervened to bring an end to the commotion. Once the situation was resolved, Stimac was shown a red card, resulting in his absence from the touchline for the second half of the match.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2023 03:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).