Football

Crowd hooliganism, saftery concerns led to India Women’s U19 sharing SAFF championship with Bangladesh

The SAFF U19 Women’s Championship final saw India and Bangladesh taking on each other at the BSSS Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka. During the game, both teams fought well and didn’t let either of them win the title. Despite the penalty shootout, a winner couldn’t be separated. As per the rules, the sudden death penalty would have been followed. However, the match officials, after consulting with the commissioner decided to go for a toss.

During the coin toss, India was decided as the winner. This led to home fans, Bangladesh creating a ruckus. This led to a security situation for the visitors. After this, the Indian team had to share the title with the home side.

“Despite being declared winners after the spin of the coin, we decided to accept the officials’ request for sharing the trophy as the situation was simmering and a section of the home fans was creating disturbances,” acting AIFF secretary M Satyanarayan told The Indian Express, adding that it was only because of security reasons that they decided to share the trophy.

“Since the security of the players and other team officials is our utmost priority, the AIFF decided to agree to the request of the organisers,” he said.

Sudden Death should continue till there is a result: FIFA and AFC match commissioner Arunava Bhattacharya

During the game, FIFA and AFC match commissioner Arunava Bhattacharya was present at the venue but not as an official.

“I cannot comment on the match in any official capacity. However, as per rules, penalties/sudden death should continue till there is a result,” Bhattacharya, who was the match commissioner for the U-23 South-East Asia (SEA) Games final between Thailand and Indonesia last year which saw four red cards and two brawls, said.

“With regards to a formal protest, we will wait for a thorough report from our team manager and head coach on their return, before we take a call on the matter,” Satyanarayan said.