PANJIM: The harsh verdict by the Indian Super League’s (ISL) Regulatory Commissions of a hefty Rs 11 crore fine on FC Goa and ban on the club’s owners on disciplinary grounds has brought bad publicity to Indian football. Brazilian legend Zico, who coached the Gaurs for two seasons, feels nothing less than ‘disgust’ over the decision.
“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 US$ 1.6 million) (and) ban of 2-3 years on owners and docking of 15 points for FC Goa?” the Brazilian great said in a statement on Friday.
“We were there. Coach Moraci Santana and Bruno Silva saw Elano assaulting Mr Raj Salgaocar in our dugout. That video is clearly cooked. Anyone with sense can see there is a cut before the assault on the owner, and surely all the reactions that came from our team members were not without motive.”
FC Goa were facing allegations of violating ISL regulations namely for ‘boycotting the match and league ceremony’, ‘public criticism and threatening match officials’, ‘alleging that the match was fixed’, and ‘non-adherence of league rules’. FC Goa will also be docked 15 points next season.
Zico also spoke about Chennaiyin’s second goal. “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 on the field as well in the stands. 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 such harsh verdict like this to the club,” felt Zico.
Chennaiyin’s second goal, and the equaliser, saw Steven Mendoza beat FC Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani to a cross. However, replays showed that the ball came off the Colombian’s outstretched hands.
Meanwhile, FC Goa reiterated that they were shocked by the verdict and were considering all options before them.
ISL, in a statement, said they are studying the order and that the ‘fracas’ that followed final has brought disrepute to the tournament. “ISL in less than two years of its existence is being recognised as the ‘Brand of Indian Football’ in the global market. ISL stands committed to upholding the true spirit of the beautiful game and the fans’ interest first,” the statement said.
Goa’s Arjuna awardee duo of Brahmanand Sankhwalkar and Bruno Coutinho were also concerned about the future. “This is a wrong, harsh judgment and extremely disturbing. The owner made a mistake, but this is unfair punishment. Both the owners are good people and have done a lot for football. On what grounds have they been fined Rs 11 crore and on what basis have they been docked 15 points?” asked Coutinho, the former Salgoacar SC and India star.
“The judgment is very bad and is extremely unfair. It is very bad for football. Both, Dattaraj and Srinivas are gentlemen and have done a lot for football. Show us what they have done to deserve this,” said goalkeeping legend Sankhwalkar.
Indian football great Bhaichung Bhutia added that the FC Goa-Elano controversy brings a bad name to the game in the country. “The Rs 11 crore fine for FC Goa and docking them 15 points is very severe. The bad behaviour towards Elano from FC Goa was not required. However, I would love to see Elano come back and play in the ISL. Whatever happened was unfortunate,” said Bhutia.
“People of Goa love FC Goa but even they don’t support what their team did to Elano after the ISL final,” the former India skipper said.
