ISL 2015: League releases statement after unsporting behaviour in final between FC Goa and Chennaiyin

Chennaiyin FC beat FC Goa 3-2 in the final (Image courtesy of ISL)

After a thrilling Indian Super League final that saw Chennaiyin FC beat FC goa 3-2 with an injury time goal, controversy erupted as a tussle broke out in the tunnel between FC goa and Chennaiyin FC players and staff. Chennai’s marquee player Elano Blumer was arrested after an alleged altercation with Goa owner Dattaraj Salgaonkar and even taken into custody.

Elano had reportedly taunted the Goa players and the Brazilian midfielder had an FIR filed against him with claims that he had physically and verbally assaulted Salgaonkar. While he was released on bail, a lawyer informed the media that Elano could leave the country provided he appear in court when called upon.

ISL Statement

In the statement released by the authorities, they condemned the behaviour of the players both on and off the field. They also said that they had not received any complaint from FC Goa so far.

It has been brought to the notice of ISL and concerns expressed by our partner Star India that FC Goa management have made adverse comments in media disputing the result of ISL 2015 finals played here in Goa on Sunday night.

The League has also taken serious view of the unsporting behaviour by the Goa franchise and alleged unsporting behaviour of certain players of the teams on and off the field.

ISL does not accepted such behaviour from any member of the club management, support staff or players. The matter has now been referred to the ISL Disciplinary Committee. ISL has strict code of conduct with an established integrity unit and an ACSU division.

The League has not received any complaint from the Goa management.

Goa Chief Minister blames poor refereeing

During the post-match presentation, none of the FC Goa players were present even though Thongkhosiem Haokip and Joffre and won the ISL Emerging Player of the Match and Hero of the Match awards.

Goa’s chief minister, Laxmikant Parsekar, had attended the match but he too had left before the presentation ceremony.

“I left the stadium when, apart from poor refereeing, I noticed the Chennaiyin FC captain insulting, abusing and assaulting Mr. Salgaonkar,” he said.

“I did not find it worthwhile to even wait for the prize distribution function. I was invited for the match by Mr. Salgaonkar.”

FC Goa co-owner Shrinivas Dempo congratulates Chennaiyin FC

Meanwhile, FC Goa co-owner Shrinivas Dempo thanked everyone involved in the tournament for their support and congratulated Chennaiyin on their title triumph.

“They also had their ups and downs last year and won the title this year,” Dempo said. “Having said this, we also played a very good brand of football. The wonderful display of football is what has united all Goans under one banner.

“In the third edition of the ISL I hope we will be able to live up to the expectations. We reached the semifinals last year, reached the final this year and would do our best to take up a couple of notches to win the title next year.”