Racial Abuse: What happened between Ranjit Bajaj & Owen Coyle?

Ranjit Bajaj has claimed that Owen Coyle was the one to racially abuse Delhi FC coach.

Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC have lodged an official complaint with the Durand Cup organizers and the All India Football Federation against Delhi FC co-owner Ranjit Bajaj for racial remarks in their final Group E match.

What exactly happened?

The Chennai based club have claimed that Ranjit Bajaj had racially abused Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle in a Group stage game of the Durand Cup played in the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium at Guwahati on Friday afternoon. Chennaiyin FC came out on top of the said fixture, winning the tightly-contested game 2-1 and booking their place in the knockout stages.

The drama unfolded in injury time when there was a heated argument across both sets of benches with Bajaj getting booked for the second time and as a result being sent off. Owen Coyle was also booked reportedly for hurling abuse towards the Delhi FC bench.

Ranjit Bajaj’s reaction

Ranjit Bajaj has categorically alleged Owen Coyle of using racial abuses. Bajaj put out of a tweet pleading his innocence which reads as below:

“Wow a Englishman coming to my country and telling me and my coach “stay in your place” and calling us “bloody buffoons” is literally the most racist thing you can say to an Indian given our history with them- also giving us gyan on why “We INDIANS” do not move forward in football- then when he knows he screwed up as i complained to ref about his racist behaviour right in front of him, he comes up with a counter complaint to save face.. he and his assistant got a yellow card from the ref for their provocative behaviour, along with me being sent off for reacting to his racist behaviour.. he could not take being challenged by an Indian..so mr Owen Coyle learn what racism is from your ancestors- standing up for your coach & giving it back to you -is not -what you said is -see ya in court -JAI HIND Satyamev Jayte #saynotoracism“

Khel Now approached Ranjit Bajaj for his comments on the matter where he explained his point of view and said, “He (Coyle) was racially abusing our coach and I had asked the fourth official Crystal John to call the referee and tell him what had happened but Crystal John initially denied it saying I can’t do it in the middle of the game but then eventually he called the referee and said what he had to and the referee deemed that an offence by me (as well) and had dished out a booking to me, their coach and the other official (from Chennaiyin FC).”

Chennaiyin FC’s refusal for comment

Khel Now had also approached Chennaiyin for a comment on the matter but they refused to comment on the same. The concerned committee of the AIFF is expected to take actions on the matter and the decision is expected to be made public in the forthcoming days.

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