ISL: Zico slams referee after match against ATK, might get punished by AIFF

Kolkata, Oct 17: Legendary Brazilian footballer and FC Goa manager, Zico was highly critical of the standard of refereeing in the ISL match on Sunday between FC Goa and Atletico De Kolkata.

The Brazilian coach was left fuming after the match on Sunday at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium. Speaking at the press conference, he said: “I will go back home, leaving coach's job of FC Goa if such poor refereeing continues." [ATK, FC Goa play out 1-1 draw] [Full schedule of ISL 2016]

The Mexican referee flashed too many cards including two red cards to either side during the match. Zico further said: “I have not come to India to earn money. Rather my aim is to help Indian football develop. But for the development of the game you need to have a proper referee. But how can you play in front of an unqualified referee?

“I have observed that only in our match against Kolkata team the decisions go against us. I get amazed to have watched repeatedly. I am also surprised to have seen that how the ISL is being run with poor standard of referring."

Atletico de Kolkata's manager Jose Molina, though, disagreed with his counterpart. He said: “I was not in a position to judge. Still, my players were confidently saying that spot-kick decision was not fair.

"Especially, Borja Fernandez told me he never intentionally handled the ball. It was completely unintentional. So, the coach of my opposition team also should have been mentioned the favour he got from the referee."

It has also been learned that ISL committee is not happy with Zico's criticism and the Brazilian coach can be summoned for clarification.

OneIndia News