Sunil Chhetri admitted he struggled to find words to describe Kerala Blasters’ FC goal during Friday’s Indian Super League play-off clash with Bengaluru FC. The game remained even until the end when controversy erupted when Bengaluru FC was awarded a free kick in the first half of extra time. Chhetri cleared the ball and when the Blaster’s keeper improved his block, he decided to net it over the defenders. The referee gave the goal to Bengaluru FC.
That decision didn’t please Kerala’s Serbia coach Ivan Vukomanovic, who recalled his players and argued with the referees before heading down the tunnel. The referees later confirmed Kerala had lost the game and awarded Bengaluru FC victory.
During the strike, Chhetri, quoted by Reuters, said he was still trying to figure out what happened because he hadn’t seen anything like it in his entire career. Chhetri said he was happy with the win and ready to meet Mumbai City FC in the semi-finals. “I don’t know what happened. I’m still trying to connect it. I’ve never seen something like this in my 22-year career,” Chhetri told ESPN. “And I don’t mean that in a negative way or just weirdly.
We are happy to be on the side of the lucky ones. We can’t wait to go to Mumbai and play with the champions. “Speaking to TV channels, the Indian Express quoted Chhetri as saying he asked the referee before taking the free-kick. “I always ask the referee (if I can take a free kick) because if he doesn’t allow it, it won’t happen. It was a bittersweet moment. At first, we were wondering whether the game would continue or not. But I’m glad we reached the semi-finals. I can’t wait to play in Mumbai,” added the brave Indian. “The referee asked me if I wanted a block or a whistle. They always do. I said I don’t want a boo as much as a wall,” Chhetri said.
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