Tempers flare when arch-rivals India and Pakistan lock horns on the field irrespective of the sport. This time it took place in SAFF Championship 2023 after Indian head coach Igor Stimac was not happy with a throw-in call and interrupted the Pakistan player. Just after Stimac took the ball away from the player it led to an ugly brawl between India and Pakistan players just before the half time at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
As the scuffle took an ugly turn, the referees had to intervene. Referee Prajwal Chhetri was quick to show red card to Stimac who left the field but not before having a word with the Pakistan player for the misunderstanding. The incident also led to Sandesh Jhingan and Rahis Nabi getting a yellow card.
India assistant coach Mahesh Gawli in the post-match press conference did not contest the referee's decision.
"Yeah, it was an offence that if you go by the book often attracts a red card. But yeah, but then we feel that it might have been a bit harsh on the coach," Gawli said.
Pakistan assistant coach did not try to add fuel to the controversy as he said, "We did not initiate it, so I think we are on the fair side here of the incident."
Apart from the scuffle between the players, coach and support staff, there was no competition between the two teams as India beat Pakistan by 4-0. Skipper Sunil Chhetri scored a record-breaking hat-trick as Pakistan goalkeeper and defenders made too many errors in their campaign opener.
"Happy to keep clean sheet, happy to start tournament. Matches in these kinds of conditions are never easy. Happy people turned up, this is amazing, this is what we play for," Chhetri said after the match.
However, Pakistan players arrived six hours in the city six hours ahead of the kick-off. Despite an unimpressive outing, Torben felt that Pakistan players could have played better if it was not for the delay in visa and immigration process.
"For sure! It could have made a difference. But full credit to India for producing a good game. I am sure, our team will produce better football as the tournament progress," he added.
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