The Indian Super League (ISL) had never witnessed a walkout before March 3, 2023, when Kerala Blasters (KBFC) walked off the pitch after a controversial free-kick goal scored by Bengaluru’s Sunil Chhetri. The incident created a lot of controversies, and the KBFC could face serious consequences for their actions.
Here are some of the possible punishments the team could face in the coming days: Kerala Blasters Walkout
- Point Deduction: The AIFF can impose a point deduction on the KBFC for their forfeit, either in the middle of the season or next season. The team may start the league with some points already deducted.
- Fine: Leaving the football pitch in the middle of a game is a significant offence, and the ISL is likely to impose a monetary fine on the KBFC for their way of protesting a refereeing decision.
- Expulsion from the ISL: This is a serious matter, but it is a possibility for KBFC. Walking out from a football match is a grave matter, and although the team has a case to defend, forfeiting the game is a disrespect to the fans, the club, the tournament, and the game as a whole. Hence, the ISL can take the step to expel KBFC from the top flight for a significant amount of time.
It can simply be a season ban, or the Blasters may get relegated to the second division and will have to earn their way back to the ISL again. The KBFC manager’s rush of blood and immense emotional overhaul led to this unpretty incident when calm heads were needed. It is now up to the ISL and AIFF to decide the punishment.
The KBFC dominated possession in the first half but could not get past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the Bengaluru FC goal. After a goalless stalemate during the regulation time at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru FC took a 97th-minute lead when the talismanic Indian captain converted a free-kick. But the strike led to a full-blown drama as the Adrian Luna-led side protested referee Crystal John’s decision to declare it a legitimate goal, with counter-claims that he did not blow the whistle before Chhetri took the kick and the players were not ready.
This followed an unprecedented walk-out, a first in ISL where Serbian coach Ivan Vukomanovic called back his players. Luna was seen taking off his captain’s armband with his teammates following their skipper. Bengaluru FC was declared winners as they will travel to Mumbai City Arena for the semifinals on Tuesday.
Kerala Blasters’ walkout was an unfortunate incident that could lead to serious consequences for the club. The KBFC manager’s actions led to an ugly incident that could have been avoided with calm heads. However, the AIFF and ISL will decide the punishment that KBFC will face in the coming days. It is up to the KBFC to accept the punishment and learn from their mistake, moving forward with a more positive outlook on the game.
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