ISL: Coach alleges referee called his player monkey

Bengaluru, December 16

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Mumbai City FC head coach Jorge Costa has alleged that the referee who officiated his side’s Indian Super League match against Bengaluru FC called one of his players a monkey, a charge which the national federation will investigate.

Before starting his media conference after Mumbai City FC’s 3-2 win over Bengaluru FC here on Sunday, Costa read out a statement, saying that Saudi Arabian referee Turki Alkhudhayr called Gabonese player Serge Kevyn a monkey and “made some gestures” which were disrespectful. Kevyn hails from Gabon, which is an African country. He plays as a mid-fielder for the ISL club.

A spokesperson of the league’s organisers — FSDL — said the All India Football Federation has been asked to investigate the allegation.

Empty stands

Guwahati: The match between NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC here on Wednesday will be played behind closed doors due to the unrest owing to the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill. — PTI