An unfortunate incident in the ISL 2022-23 first knockout match saw Kerala Blasters forfeit the match after a controversial goal from Sunil Chhetri put Bengaluru FC ahead in the extra time. Referee Crystal John allowed a goal to stand after Sunil struck a free-kick quickly before the goalkeeper, who was out of position, finished arranging the wall. Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic was furious with the decision, and he called his team off immediately and walked out from the stadium forfeiting the match. After some meeting between the match officials, Crystal John and the match commissioner, Bengaluru FC were declared winner and they progressed to the semifinals. Amidst this, Kerala Blasters. who might face a penalty for forfeiting the match, lodged a protest to AIFF requesting a replay. Kerala Blasters Walk Off in Protest As Coach Ivan Vukomanovic Withdraws Team After Controversial Quick Free Kick Goal From Sunil Chhetri in ISL 2022-23 Knockout Match.

According to Times of India, Blasters have filed an official complaint against the AIFF. detailing how referee Crystal John erred in allowing Chhetri to take the quick free-kick, approximately half a minute after the foul. “The official complaint makes it clear that the referee asked (KBFC captain) Adrian Luna to move away from the ball, so he cannot be allowing a quick free-kick (for the opponents),” a source who is aware of the development told TOI on Sunday.

“When the referee directs the player to move away, it means they are being asked to set up a wall. When the players have been told to move away, the referee must ask the free-kick to play for the whistle. The referee’s decision to allow the goal to stand defies logic.” Luna has told the coach and players that the referee used spray to indicate the position of the ball for a freekick and asked him to move away.

As a result, Blasters have now sought a replay of the match which was considered a forfeit and also demanded for a ban on the referee whose decision has seen the club’s supporters up in arms against the injustice. With the first leg semifinal between Mumbai City and Bengaluru scheduled for Tuesday, AIFF will have to decide on the protest within the next 24 hours. Goal or No Goal? Fans Divided Over Sunil Chhetri's Controversial Free Kick Goal During Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters ISL 2022-23 Knockout Match (Watch Goal Video).

Neither AIFF nor ISL have issued a statement following the walkout at the Sree Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru, a first for Indian football. Since the walkout, Blasters’ management and supporters have solidly backed Vukomanovic. The remarkable support and loyalty towards the team was in full show after the coach and his players arrived at their home base in Kochi on Saturday. The team received a grand welcome at Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery with chants of ‘We are with you’.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2023 06:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).