ISL knockout playoffs: Kerala Blasters players walk off pitch.
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The Indian Super League's inaugural knockout match ended in controversy as Kerala Blasters, led by coach Ivan Vukomanovic, walked off the pitch in protest of an extra-time goal by Bengaluru FC's Sunil Chhetri. As a result, they forfeited the tie and Bengaluru FC advanced to the semifinals with a 1-0 victory at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday. They will now face Mumbai City FC in the next round.
Controversy mars inaugural Indian Super League knockout match
In the 97th minute, Sunil Chhetri took a quick free-kick, catching the Kerala Blasters off-guard as they were still organizing their defensive wall. With goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill out of position, Chhetri's shot sailed into the open net, sending the home crowd into jubilation.
However, instead of accepting the goal and getting on with the game, the Kerala Blasters players chose to protest. After several discussions that lasted for around 20 minutes, the Match Commissioner ultimately awarded the game to Bengaluru FC, much to the disappointment of the Blasters' faithful.
Sunil Chhetri's goal leads to controversy and Kerala Blasters' forfeiture in Indian Super League knockout match.
Chhetri explains free-kick goal, declines to comment on Kerala Blasters' actions. "I told the referee that I neither wanted the whistle nor the wall," said Sunil Chhetri in a later statement. He added that he tried to take the free-kick earlier, but it was blocked by the Blasters' wall. Chhetri's goal, which put Bengaluru FC ahead, would prove to be the game-winner. However, the match would be remembered for the controversy that followed as Kerala Blasters protested the goal, leading to their forfeiture of the game.
The Blasters had their chances in the match, with Roy Krishna coming close several times, and goalkeeper Prabhsukhan making a crucial save to keep the game level. The match remained goalless until the 97th minute when Chhetri scored the decisive goal. The game ended in disappointment as the controversy overshadowed what could have been an exciting finish with the possibility of penalties. It was an unfortunate turn of events and a bad advertisement for the sport.
After walkout, Kerala Blasters stare at hefty fine, points deduction, but suspension unlikely
Kerala Blasters forfeit match after walking off in protest of controversial goal. The Indian Super League knockout match between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC was marred by controversy when the Blasters walked off the pitch in protest of Sunil Chhetri's goal, which they believed was the result of an unfair refereeing decision. With still 26 minutes remaining on the clock, coach Ivan Vukomanovic waved his players off the field, leading to their forfeiture of the game. According to League Rule 3.6.4, the Blasters would be handed a 3-0 loss and could face additional financial sanctions, points deductions, or suspensions from the league, depending on the gravity of the incident.
Sometime blasters coach will suspension or something according to the report Kerala not going remove there coach so blasters will get ban something no new update received.
Three possible punishments Kerala can face after ISL walkout
The Indian Super League quarterfinal match between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC took an ugly turn when Bengaluru's Sunil Chhetri scored a controversial free-kick goal. The Blasters players were still arranging the wall, but the referee allowed the goal, leading to a heated argument with the referee and subsequently, Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic calling his team off the pitch.
The match was eventually awarded to Bengaluru FC, who will now face Mumbai City FC in the semi-final. However, the incident has garnered both support and criticism for the Blasters, with many condemning their unprecedented walkout.
The Indian Super League and AIFF are yet to comment on the matter, but it is possible that Kerala Blasters may face punishment, including financial sanctions, points deduction, and suspension, depending on the gravity of the incident.
