Context: March 3, 2023
Blasters head coach Ivan Vukomanovic tweeted on the incident with the context of a recently held Bosnian Premier League game between Sarajevo and Posusje. Which involved a quick free-kick incident whose decision was called in the favour of the defensive team.
The incident was very similar to what happened at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium last season where Kerala Blasters walked out of the play-in game against Bengaluru FC. The event caused major havoc in the club’s dynamics and the after-effects have been shaking. Over five months after the incident, Ivan Vukomanovic, club’s head coach during the time, took to Twitter to show his disapproval once again.
“Watching highlights of different competitions around the world from the past weekend. If referee sprays the free-kick position, no quick action allowed. The whistle must be respected. Full Stop. Have a nice day you all,” tweeted the Serbian.
What happened that night?
On a fine Friday evening, Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC fought for gaining a place in the final four of ISL. The game took at the Kanteerava because Bengaluru finished higher in the league. The game went to the extra time where substitute and Sunil Chhetri was fouled by young Vibin Mohannan. The broadcast showed the clip of a missed opportunity by Roy Krishna but cut to live, the ball was into the net. It turned out that Chhetri had tapped the ball in while the defensive side were still setting their wall.
The goal was allowed by referee Crystal John. It clearly didn’t sit right with the Blasters camp, especially Ivan Vukomanovic who commanded his team to leave the pitch. After a long discussion and a few phone calls, the goal stood and the full-time whistle was blown.
The aftermath of the walkout was crazy. While Bengaluru went on to the final, Blasters were imposed with heavy charges. AIFF charged the coach “for bringing the game into disrepute”. A fine of 4 Crore INR was issued which would further increase to 6 Crore INR if the club didn’t issue a public apology. Add to that, Vukomanovic was handed a 10-game ban (from AIFF-held tournaments) by the disciplinary committee, alongwith a fine of 5 Lakh INR. 10 Lakh if he didn’t issue a public apology from his own behalf.
He apologised but without putting their pride down. The club appealed against it but to no favourable result.
In his defence, the referee did put the vanishing spray on the spot. But he did not proceed to put the spray for a wall. Adrian Luna was lurking over the ball. As soon as Chhetri saw an opening, he swung one into the Prabhsukhan Gill’s net. ESPN did a nice explanatory article on why the goal stood.
In the video that he shared, a very similar situation arises in the Bosnian Premier League. Sarajevo player Almedin Zilijkic did exactly what Chhetri did but he was called back rightaway by the referee to be booked. The free-kick was retaken.
Currently, the first team is done competing in the Durand Cup as they have been knocked out in the group stages. Just adds to the miserable year they have had so far.
