Rulebook violation and other talking points from ISL 2023-24 GW 18

This ISL gameweek witnessed controversy, drama and much more.

The 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) is slowly approaching its business with 11 out of 12 teams still fighting for something. While Hyderabad FC are the only side to have been knocked out of the playoffs race, the other 11 teams remain in contention.

The Gameweek 18 of the ongoing season staged seven games between 11 teams. All the ISL teams were in action except for Mohun Bagan who were out of action this week. 17 goals were scored in seven games as Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and Punjab FC picked up crucial wins.

Let us take a look at the talking points from the week gone by.

Bengaluru FC dominate Kerala Blasters at home

All roads led to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru as the Blues hosted their arch-rivals Kerala Blasters at home. Both sides came into the game on the back of a win and were ever so motivated to perform given the highly staked nature of the game.

It was Kerala Blasters’ first game at the venue since that controversial meeting last year and the onus was on them to go out and perform. But, it’s not easy to go to Bengaluru and defeat the Blues. Both sides had numerous chances, but Javi Hernandez’s late screamer ensured the Blues continued their dominance against the Blasters.

Chennaiyin FC pull off an upset against Odisha FC

An in-form Odisha FC took a trip to the Marina Arena to face a struggling Chennaiyin FC. The Juggernauts were expected to earn a comfortable win and add three points to their tally. But, to their utter surprise Chennaiyin FC pulled the rabbit out of their hat and did the unthinkable.

Ankit Mukherjee broke the deadlock with a header in the early stages of the game and pushed the visitors on the back foot. Roy Krishna restored parity for his side before Jordan Murray scored the winner in the dying minutes of the game. While it was a huge boost for Chennaiyin FC’s playoffs aspirations, Odisha FC’s race for the league shield took a minor hit.

Mumbai City FC lodge complaint against Jamshedpur FC

In a sudden turn of events, Mumbai City FC have lodged an official complaint against Jamshedpur FC for going against the rule book and fielding just six domestic players on the field of play following a red card to Daniel Chima Chukwu.

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Post that, Jamshedpur brought on Alen Stevanovic in place of Imran Khan which left them with just six domestic players which violated the ISL’s rulebook.

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