During a playoff game between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), things took a dramatic turn when Kerala Blasters decided to walk off the field and give up the game, know about their likely punishment as the KBFC vs BFC controversy goes viral
Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri scored a controversial goal in the 97th minute of the game, which led to a heated argument between the players and the referee, Crystal John.
KBFC vs BFC controversy explained, why did Kerala Blasters walk off during ISL 2022-2023 playoff match and potential punishment
Ivan Vukomanovic, the coach of the Kerala Blasters, was very angry about the decision and told his team to leave the field. After that, the whole team left, giving Bengaluru FC time to celebrate their win and move on to the ISL semi-finals.
The Blasters’ choice to leave the field could cost them a lot, since they could get a big fine and be kicked out of the league. The ISL rules say that if a team refuses to play or leaves the field before the end of the game, the league can take away points or even suspend the team, depending on how bad the situation is.
Point Deduction: Kerala Blasters can face a possible point deduction for their forfeiting and they may start the league next season with some points (e.g. -5, -10 points) already deducted.
Fine: Leaving the football pitch in the middle of a game is a big offence and ISL is likely going to impose a monetary fine on the Blasters for their amazing way of protesting a refereeing decision.
Expulsion from the ISL: Walking out from a football match is a grave matter, although the Blasters have a case to defend, but forfeiting the game is a disrespect to the fans, the club, the tournament and the game.
A walkout in ISL match between Bengaluru FC and kerala blasters for 1st time in ISL history.Pathetic from Ivan vukomanovic you don't do stuff like that . #BFCKBFC#HeroISLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/zlE0lLD3HD
— Rofl_Baba (@aflatoon391) March 3, 2023
Even though Kerala Blasters had most of the ball in the first half, they didn’t score. The game was scoreless until Chhetri scored a controversial goal. The Blasters players didn’t agree with the referee’s decision that it was a valid goal. They said they weren’t ready and that the referee hadn’t blown the whistle before Chhetri kicked the ball.
Forget the legitimacy of the Chhetri goal, there will be grave consequences for Kerala Blasters for their walk out. And rightly so.
Walking off when a decision goes against your team cannot be normalised.
Kerala Blasters should be penalised heavily.
— Ashwin Muralidharan (@AshwinMNair10) March 3, 2023
After what happened, the Blasters players and the referee got into a full-blown fight, in which Vukomanovic also took part. Because of the coach’s anger and the referee’s decision, the team left the field, which could be bad for the Blasters.
No response till now from Blasters’ end
The management of the Kerala Blasters FC hasn’t said anything about what happened yet, but fans and supporters of the team have shared their disappointment on social media. Fans upset that the Blasters didn’t make it to the ISL playoffs. They are now waiting to see what the league will do to punish the team.
In the end, the Kerala Blasters’ decision to leave the field during their ISL playoff game against Bengaluru FC has caused a big stir in the world of Indian football. The actions of the team could lead to heavy fines and bans, and the incident has shown how important it is for football referees to be fair and honest.
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