Kerala Blasters issue statement expressing regret over ISL walkout

Ivan Vukomanovic and the club were sanctioned hefty fines for the incident.

Kerala Blasters FC issued a statement expressing their regret over the walk-out incident against Bengaluru FC during the Indian Super League 2022-23 eliminator on 3rd March at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Sunil Chhetri's quickly taken free-kick in extra time triggered an impulsive mass exeunt from the team on Ivan Vukomanovic's instructions.

Bengaluru FC were handed the win by forfeit after Kerala Blasters failed to return and went on to make a third ISL final appearance. Simon Grayson's side eventually lost to ATK Mohun Bagan 4-3 on penalties after the game finished 2-2 after extra time.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF)'s disciplinary committee had issued a fine of Rs 4 Lakh under article 9.1.2 to Ivan Vukomanovic and 4 crores to the football club. The sanctions were to be increased if both coach and club did not issue a public apology for unsporting conduct.

Kerala Blasters complete statement

On Sunday, Kerala Blasters FC issued a statement on social media expressing regret over the aforementioned actions. The full statement read, "We would like to express our sincerest regrets for the events that took place during our knockout match vs Bengaluru FC on March 3rd, 2023. We recognize that our decision to walk off the pitch prematurely was unfortunate and taken in the heat of the moment.

"We would like to reiterate our respect for the larger football fraternity and assure everyone that we will take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future."

Kerala Blasters will next be in action during the 2023 Hero Super Cup. They have been placed in Group A with southern arch-rivals Bengaluru FC, I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab and the winner of the first qualifier between Rajasthan United and NEROCA FC.

Along with the fine, Ivan Vukomanovic was handed a 10-match ban for the walkout, and Kerala Blasters are likely to appeal the disciplinary committee's order.