“It was one of the most shameful events of my footballing career.” This was quoted by none other than former Indian player and Tamil Nadu coach Syed Sabir Pasha after Tamil Nadu’s narrow win against Mizoram on Monday.
It was indeed a shame as the reputation of the beautiful game was dented by an ugly incident that marred the Santosh Trophy tie.
It all started when a close-range free-kick taken by Tamil Nadu striker M. Ramesh struck Mizoram centre-back Lalchhawnkima’s hand in the 69th minute.
Referee Satyajit Debroy immediately reached for his pocket and flashed a red on the Mizoram defender for a deliberate handball.
Lalchhawnkima, instead of obeying the referee’s order, refused to leave the ground.
A few protests later, the affected party made his way out even as he had a verbal exchange with TN right-winger V.R. Murugappan who was standing nearby to take a free-kick.
The heated argument resulted in the Mizoram player shoving Murugappan. Instantly, Murugappan retaliated with a full-fledged slap and all hell broke loose.
It was a free for all. Players from both teams turned the football pitch into a WWE arena. Substitutes from both sides were seen exchanging blows even as they were running in.
After a couple of rounds, the players were pacified by their respective coaches and support staff.
When the dust settled, Satyajit was back in action. The referee, who had a poor outing, flashed two more red cards for each team.
For Tamil Nadu, Murugappan (for obvious reasons) and centre-back R. Naveen Kumar were sent off while Lalrinfela and F. Lalrinpuia followed their teammate Lalchhawnkima into the tunnel. Naveen stood baffled wondering why such a harsh treatment was meted out to him.
The entire controversy could have been avoided. Murugappan had no business to respond when he was confronted.
The issue was between his opponent and the referee and he should have steered clear of the controversy.
His impulsive act could go on to prove costly for Tamil Nadu against Railways in their next match.
“It is a big disadvantage for us. We will have to field a new set of players. The rhythm is lost,” rued Sabir.
“Murugappan was time and again kicked by that Mizoram player during the match and he started the fight after the referee gave his decision. Only Mahatma Gandhi would have not responded to such kind of violent attacks,” the coach added.
Mizoram coach Joseph Lalsang Zuala said: “The referee was pathetic. He robbed us.” The red-carded players are set to miss the next match. Both teams would be praying for only one-match suspension.