Kerala Blasters demand replay, file protest against referee Crystal John

Published at :March 6, 2023 at 8:28 PM

Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM

(Courtesy : ISL Media)

The chances of a replay are less with the first semi-final scheduled on Tuesday 7th March.

Kerala Blasters have demanded a replay of the first knockout tie, which remained witness to high-octane drama at its end. The Yellow Army have also filed an official protest with the AIFF (All India Football Federation), against referee Crystal John on the quick-free kick awarded to Sunil Chettri, approximately 28 seconds after the foul. A source close to TOI reported, “The official complaint makes it clear that the referee asked (KBFC captain) Adrian Luna to move away from the ball so that he cannot be allowing a quick freekick (for the opponents).”

“When the referee directs the player to move away, it means they are being asked to set up a wall. When the players have been told to move away, the referee must ask the freekick to play for the whistle. The referee’s decision to allow the goal to stand defies logic,” he added.

AIFF will have to decide on the protest within the next 24 hours before the commencement of the first semi-final between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City. AIFF and ISL remained silent on the issue and have not given any official statement.

What happened in the Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters game?

Ivan Vukomanovic staged a walk-off after a controversial goal was scored by Blues' skipper Sunil Chettri. Kerala Blasters forfeited the match after claiming that the referee, Crystal John, did not blow the whistle before Chhetri took the kick with the KBFC players not ready.

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Kerala Blasters management and supporters have backed the tactician and the team was given good reception upon their arrival at the Cochin International airport on Saturday. The Serbian guided Kerala Blasters to the final in his first season and finished inside the top six this time.

In 2015, FC Goa were asked to pay a heavy fine for not attending the presentation ceremony during the ISL final. In a similar way, Kerala Blasters can also be asked to pay hefty fines along with docking points in the next season by the ISL committee.