The match which was schedule to start at 3.45 p.m. between Vasco SC and Dempo SC took off at 4.37 p.m. as none of the match officials including the match commissioner were present at the venue.
Pradeep Nagvekar –former GFA referee from Mapusa who had come to witness the match being a football fan contacted Gokuldas Nagvekar –former AIFF referee who in turn contacted two more referees.
When GFA head quarters were contacted by Pradeep at 4.25 p.m, he was informed the match officials were on their way to the venue.
Pandurang Korgaonkar started the match, with Pradeep Nagvekar and Lawrence Domnic Braganza assisting him on the lines at 4.37 p.m.
The player’s line up was not checked by the match officials nor was the fair play march followed as the match begun in haste.
Later referees Dharma Chodankar and Keshav replaced Pradeep Nagvekar and Domnic Braganza on the lines.
None of the GFA executive members or the stadium manager were present at the venue. After repeated request to the grounds man, the team line up was given to the press only at 6 p.m. so a detail report could not be given.
The teams were locked in a goalless draw till the 78th minute, when Vasco keeper Darshan Ambore was caught in the act of bringing down Sezwin Fernandes inside the penalty box.
Referee Pandurang Korgaonkar gave marching orders to the Vasco keeper and penalty was awarded.
Vasco coach Eban Mesquita asked the players to leave the field due to bad light and for stiff action on his keeper.
The Dempo SC players refused to take the spot kick and after a couple of minutes waiting for the Vasco players to come back on the field, the referee called off the match thus leaving the decision to be taken by the GFA headquarters.
