Antonio Perosevic ban in ISL 2021-22 upheld as AIFF quashes appeal

The 29-year-old was initially handed the five-match ban on December 28.

SC East Bengal's Antonio Perosevic failed to get any reprieve in his five-match ban imposed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Committee. Charged for 'violent conduct towards match official' during SCEB's Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 game against NorthEast United last month, Perosevic was also fined ₹1 Lakh earlier.

The player had lodged an appeal with the AIFF to decrease the penalty on January 8. Perosevic mentioned in his appeal he 'had no intention of making contact with referee or indulging in any act that constitutes violent conduct.'

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The AIFF Appeal Committee deliberated the matter on January 10 and dismissed Perosevic's plea in full. The AIFF body then confirmed that the decision by the Disciplinary Committee would stand. The Croatian was also ordered to pay an additional ₹60,000 towards the cost and expenses of the appeal.

Antonio Perosevic has already served three of his five-game suspension. He is slated to miss out SC East Bengal's next two games scheduled against Jamshedpur FC (on January 11) and FC Goa (on January 19).

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The decision has dealt the Red and Gold Brigade a major blow, amidst their other struggles in the league this season. In ten matches, the club are yet to win - having notched six draws and four defeats. They are also at the bottom spot on the points' table with just six points.

SCEB's poor form recently resulted in their parting of ways with head coach Jose Manuel 'Manolo' Diaz, who will be replaced by Mario Rivera soon. Ex-Indian international Renedy Singh is in charge of the team in the interim and led them to memorable draws against Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City in the past week.

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