ISL final incident unfortunate and unacceptable: AIFF president Praful Patel

Mumbai: Expressing serious concern at the unsavoury incidents that happened after the Indian Super League final in Goa on Sunday, All India Football Federation president Praful Patel on Monday said he was awaiting the match commissioner’s report before cracking the whip on the wrongdoers. “I am waiting for the match commissioner’s report. It was an unfortunate incident and absolutely unacceptable. Nobody has the right to hold the football law into his own hands,” Patel told reporters at the Cooperage stadium on Monday. Goa police last night arrested Elano Blumer, captain of ISL-winning team Chennaiyin FC, for allegedly assaulting co-owner of FC Goa team Dattaraj Salgaoncar during post-match celebrations at Nehru Stadium at Margao after the game. [caption id=“attachment_2279146” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] AIFF president Praful Patel. AFP[/caption] Taking strong exception to the brawl, the ISL on Monday said it does not accept “such behaviour” and referred the matter to its disciplinary committee. Patel, in Mumbai to watch the practice match between the AIFF under-17 team that is preparing for the 2017 U-17 World Cup (to be hosted by India in two years’ time) and its state (WIFA) counterparts, said the federation needs to send a strong signal to the international football community by the course of action taken. “We have to be firm and strict so that it does not impact the international community, whether it is referees or players, from participating in India. We are also governed by FIFA’s (world football governing body) code of conduct. “If tomorrow, our player was to go and play in another country and something was to happen to him or the referee, what would be our situation? We have to take very strong measures. “As I said I am awaiting the match commissioner’s report, which I expect to get by tomorrow. I am completely aghast at whatever has happened. I have reacted very strongly and also consult AFC and FIFA on the next course of action. Guidelines have been given and will act according to them,” Patel said. PTI