[ad_1]
Bengaluru: India coach Igor Štimak on Thursday defended his actions during the team’s 4-0 victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the SAFF Championship here, saying he would “do it again” to protect his players from “unjustified decisions”.
Stimac received a red card for intentionally interrupting an opponent’s player at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday.
“Football is about passion, especially when you defend your country’s colors. You can hate me or love me for my actions yesterday, but I am a warrior and I will do it again when needed to protect our boys on the field from unjustified decisions.”
A rain-soaked first half was teetering to an end as the hosts took a 2-0 lead after two goals from Sunil Chhetri. But a moment of indiscretion from Stimac suddenly breathed life into the proceedings.
An experienced player and coach, Stimak chose to tackle when Pakistan’s Abdullah Iqbal was ready to take a throw-in. And Stimak tried to withdraw the ball from the player, which provoked severe reactions from some visiting players as well as some of the coaching staff.
Referee Prajwal Chhetri and other match officials had to step in to separate the heavily contested individuals.
When the scuffle was brought under control, referee Chhetri showed Stimac the red card, according to the rules of football, for deliberately interrupting an opponent’s player’s actions.
Stimak was unable to stand on the sidelines for the rest of the match, as former Indian defender Mahesh Gawli did his duty on the touchline.
A few players from the India and Pakistan teams also received yellow cards for needlessly interfering in the ring.
After Pakistan’s defeat, India’s assistant coach Gawli said the red card might look a bit harsh on his senior, but the referee had to deal with the book.
“Yes, it was an offense that if you go through the book you often get a red card. Jolly said during the post-match press conference: “
[ad_2]
