NEW DELHI: Mohun Bagan’s star striker Odafa Okolie was issued a showcause notice by the All India Football Federation after the Nigerian was sent off during the temperamental Derby which saw Syed Rahim Nabi being struck by a missile from the crowd and consequently, Mohun Bagan withdrawing from the game.
After East Bengal took the lead through Harmanjot Khabra, the goal scorer and Nirmal Chettri chased down a ball which both had equal chance of winning, but the resulting tussle was awarded in favour of the red-and-gold which infuriated Odafa who was right up at the referee's face and was believed to have uttered expletives.
The referee decided that the Nigerian had crossed the line and sent him off. It was during this confusion that Nabi was injured. The AIFF have now asked the Nigerian to explain why no further action, besides the usual suspension from matches, should be taken by the federation against him. The striker has till January 7 to reply to this notice.
"The AIFF felt that Odafa’s misbehaviour with the referee required strict action. Also, it acted as a kind of provocation for the crowd in a high-intensity clash. He has been given seven days to reply," I-League chief executive officer Sunando Dhar stated.
The show-cause notice is more a precautionary measure from the AIFF as they want to be well prepared and ready, in case Bagan move the court to challenge the ban.
Meanwhile, Bagan claimed they are not aware of the action against Odafa, according to Goal.com.