Last updated on January 24, 2016
Chennai Celebrating ISL Victory Following Controversy
The Indian Super League finals ended with a bang this year – on and off the pitch. Chennaiyin FC beat FC Goa with a 3-2 end score, winning the ISL trophy.
The winning goal came from the league’s top-scorer, John Stiven Mendoza. The ISL witnessed a total of 172 goals, up more than fifty goals from last year according to WorldFootball The other two goals from the club came from Bruno Pelissari and Laxmikant Kattimani, who scored first – Goa equalized the score with a goal from Thongkoisep Haokip and Joffre Mateu, but eventually lost to Mendoza’s 90-minute scorer. However, not all was rosy for the champions after the game had ended.
A Victory on the Field, a Brawl in the Party
FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar filed a first information report not long after the match had ended, alleging that Chennaiyin FC’s captain Elano Blumer had assaulted him violently. Elano was arrested outside the team dressing room, and the Manchester City midfielder was kept in custody for three hours before leaving, refusing to hand over his passport because of the lack of a legal mandate.
“Whatever happened is unacceptable,” stated AIFF president Praful Patel in regards to the alleged brawl following the match. “Strictest possible action will be taken. I am awaiting the match commissioner’s report. There is a FIFA code of conduct which has to be followed. The issue is about foreign players and foreign umpires.”
Chennai Victory Dedicated to Communities and Families of Flood Victims
Chennai had been in shambles later this year following extremely frequent and heavy rains, and in acknowledgement of the suffering his city had gone through, Chennaiyin FC co-owner Abhishek Bachchan dedicated this ISL title to the people of Chennai. In both October and November, nearly half of the month was plagued by rain according to YR.NO. Also please read this related post: Rain Taught Us A Lesson.
“None of us have gone back home yet for we wanted to share the cup with the people of Chennai first,” he stated at the Nehru Stadium, where the team went on to win the title earlier last Sunday. “It was heartbreaking for the boys that they were not able to play the first-leg semifinal at the Marina Arena. The team played this tournament for the people of Chennai and the journey would be incomplete if we don’t share the victory with our fans.”
ISL Has “Zero Benefit for Indian Football”
FC Goa’s coach, the Brazilian legendary player Zico, made a comment earlier this week stating that the ISL was flashy, yet ultimately did no good for Indian players and Indian talent. “With all due respect to ISL, I don’t see any benefit it (ISL) can bring to Indian football. I cannot see any benefit. For show it is good, but for Indian football it is zero. Just see the results of the Indian national team,” he said as reported by Dainik Bhaskar.
Others argued that the ISL was largely a driver of publicity for football in India – and with enough public interest and more sports news in Hindi, the teams and local players will improve as well.
Post Contributed by freelance writer Mathews V P
Image Credit: Getty Images, PTI, Google, World Football, Wikiepedia
Check your domain ranking
Congratulations to the Chennai team! But its unfortunate to learn of the sour spots! However, I don’t agree with Zico that Indians don’t benefit completely from ISL.
– The publicity alone is beneficial for investment
– The Natives have more players than foreigners if I am not mistaken.
Indian football is growing ( not popular like Cricket) and with time all these hiccups would be overcome.
The authorities just has to be restrict with FIFA rules and ensure that racism and corruption don’t mar the good work that has started in country!
I left the above in kingged.com as well
Sunday William recently posted…Which 5 Ad Servers Will Make You More Money in 2016
Hi Sunny,
Thank you so much for the insightful feedback to this story.
Yes, though there are some black spots in this sports industry, altogether the field is somewhat clear, and am sure in the future such sour areas will be vanished or fixed thoroughly. The authorities are seriously looking into it.
yes, true, as you said, at present natives have more players than foreigners.
Yes, Football is one of the major sports in India and it needs more consideration or lift from the authorities, but sad to note that the notion is more towards Cricket since other benefits attached to it is diverting the attention of authorities as well as players and even the sports lovers.
As you said the Indian football is no doubt in a growing stage and in the near future all such hiccups and black spots will go away.
Thanks for sharing your valuable comment here as well as on Kingged.com.
May you have a great and profitable week ahead. :-)
Keep sharing
Best
~ Phil