I-League 2017/18: Minerva Punjab vs East Bengal, 5 Talking Points

No penalties from this referee!

Eric Dano's handball that never was.

Refereeing decisions have been the talk of the season so far -- be it in the I-League or the ISL. East Bengal had even asked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to appoint a foreign referee for the match, which was billed as a potential title-decider. That wish was not granted.

Both the sides had a few decent shouts for penalties in this game. However, just like East Bengal's unusual request, these were not granted.

The Red and Golds had the first of their shouts turned down, after their former man Bazzou Armand seemingly brought down Ansumana Kromah inside the box. It seemed like a 50-50 decision, though, and one could justify the referee not awarding the spot kick.

Khalid Jamil's side could consider themselves a tad unlucky, as they had a second penalty appeal turned down in the second half, when Eric Dano handled a Katsumi cross inside the Minerva box. Although it seemed to be unintentional, one could argue that it changed the direction of the cross, which could have resulted in a dangerous chance for the Kolkata side.

Yet another penalty shout was turned down late in the game, when Katsumi seemingly handled a William Opoku cross inside the East Bengal area. A number of Minerva players swarmed referee Ajitkumar Meitei Lairenlakpam, demanding a penalty, but the official seemed resolute not to award on in this game.