AIFF fines Arsenal legend Pires, Atletico de Kolkata striker Fikru and coach Antonio Habas

Robert Pires while playing for FC Goa in the Indian Super League.

New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Saturday came down hard on FC Goa marquee player Robert Pires, Atletico de Kolkata striker Fikru Lemessa and head coach Antonio Lopez Habas by slapping them with severe fines and match suspension for offensive behaviour during the ill-tempered Indian Super League (ISL) encounter in Margao, Thursday.

Pires and Fikru were fined Rs.5,00,000 and suspended for the next two ISL matches. Kolkata coach Habas was also slapped with a fine of Rs.5,00,000 but suspended for four matches while goalkeeping coach Predipkumar Bhaktawer was fined Rs.30,000 and slapped with a one-match ban for breach of League Rule 22.2. They have four days to appeal against the AIFF disciplinary committee decision.

Fikru was punished for head butting Goa FC defender Gregory Arnolin during the ISL encounter, in Margao, Thursday. Arnolin was spared of any action due to inconclusive video evidence. The head butting incident surprisingly went unnoticed by American referee Christopher Prenso and there are chances that the MLS referee and his two assistants could be withdrawn from their next assignment in the ISL.

Pires and Habas were also involved in a tussle in the tunnel during half-time. FC Goa coach Zico had alleged that Pires was punched on his face by Habas during half-time.

The AIFF disciplinary committee found that Pires, Fikru and Habas had breached the Disciplinary Code (Article 58) of Offensive Behaviour and Fair Play. It was also the second time that Habas was found in breach of the disciplinary code. The AIFF disciplinary committee had earlier warned Habas, Oct 18.

Fikru headbutting Gregory Arnolin (left)

Following the match, Goa's media manager Rhys Mascarenhas told reporters, “The team manager of FC Goa Mr Jonathan D'Sousa has complained to the match commissioner that the referee should have expelled Atletico de Kolkata player Fikru Tefera Lemessa for headbutting FC Goa player Gregory Arnolin at the match.”

“Mr D'Sousa has also complained to the match commissioner regarding the assault by the head coach of Atletico de Kolkata, on FC Goa's marquee player Robert Pires in the area in front of the players dressing rooms during the half-time interval. The team manager of team FC Goa has requested that the disciplinary committee take strong disciplinary action against the players and officials of Atletico de Kolkata for their violent conduct.”