The second match of the new ISL season, like the first, ended in a 0-0 stalemate between NorthEast United, who were the home side, and Jamshedpur FC. Despite what the scoreline might suggest, the match was an exciting one, especially in the second half and was filled with goalmouth action.
Both sides hit the woodwork on multiple occasions but in the end, the all-important goal remained elusive. The away side, who were playing their first-ever match in the ISL, were reduced to 10 men late into the game after defender Andre Bikey was sent off under controversial circumstances.
He became the first player to be red-carded this season. Having come on as a substitute just nine minutes before, the Cameroonian saw himself receiving his marching orders much to the disbelief of his teammates.
The referee penalized Bikey for a high boot challenge on Luis Paez and showed him a straight red. However, replays suggested that the contact between the defender and forward was actually minimal and the red card was an incorrect decision.
Bikey, a former NEUFC man, was visibly stunned at his dismissal and took his time leaving the pitch. Sameehg Doutie, the Jamshedpur winger, was also booked in the incident for his sarcastic applause towards the referee.
The game opened up after the sending off and for the next 15 minutes, both teams were involved in some end-to-end football that saw a number of chances being spurned. In the end, the match finished goalless.
Also read: ISL 2017, Match 2: NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC, 5 Talking Points