AIFF exempts Jorge Diaz from further ban after player issues apology

The Kerala Blasters forward was suspended for one match after seeing a red against ATKMB.

The AIFF Disciplinary Committee has decided to impose no further sanctions on Kerala Blasters FC player Jorge Pereyra Diaz for his red card incident in an Indian Super League (ISL) game against ATK Mohun Bagan played on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

Show caused after being charged for 'violent conduct', Pereyra Diaz apologized in writing for 'not only acting in a manner which is unbecoming of a professional footballer, but also jeopardising the club’s interests and reputation'.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz is now eligible for selection in Kerala Blasters FC's next assignment against Chennaiyin FC on Saturday, February 26.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

However, the AIFF body has informed the player that a 'repeat violation may be met with more severe punishment', as per the verdict passed on Friday.

Meanwhile, Prabir Das of ATK Mohun Bagan has also been charged with a similar offence. In the same match, Das was shown a direct red card by the referee. The charge notice indicts Das of 'attempting to strike an opponent with excessive force - an act of violent conduct.'

The Incident

It occurred in the final moments of the game against ATK Mohun Bagan after the latter equalised in a nervy 2-2 draw. Pereyra, who had already been substituted by then, got into a confrontation with the opposition bench and also smashed the dugout panel leading to him gettings sent-off. ATKMB assistant coach Bastob Roy was also sent-off in the aftermath of the incident.

In the match, Adrian Luna put Kerala Blasters ahead twice only for ATK Mohun Bagan to equalise on both occasions. David Williams and Joni Kauko scored the goals for the Mariners.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Kerala Blasters' Playoffs Chances

Ivan Vukomanovic's side are currently at fifth with 27 points from 17 games. They are a point behind Mumbai City, who occupy the fourth and final playoffs berth. Kerala Blasters will next face Chennaiyin FC on Sunday and will eye a win to keep their top-four hopes alive. Given they win against the Marina Machans, Kerala Blasters will then take on defending champions Mumbai City in a tie-clincher. The loser of this clash will need to depend on other results to enter the playoffs. Kerala will then finish their league campaign against FC Goa on March 6.

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.