New Delhi: The issue over goalkeeper Subrata Paul’s expulsion in the World Cup qualifier against United Arab Emirates (UAE) could turn into a bigger mess, the Indian team management feared on Monday.
According to sources in the Indian team, Paul, after being given marching orders in the 29th minute of the match at Al Ain on Saturday, allegedly conducted himself in a manner that might invite stricter punishment from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Paul, sources claimed, in a fit of rage broke windowpanes and damaged a refrigerator when he returned to the dressing room after the red card fiasco.
The Pune FC goalkeeper, however, denied the incident saying he was innocent. “I don’t know about all these things and I have not done it. I was in the dressing room after being sent-off. I was upset and was taking a shower. It was a disappointing match for me,” Paul said.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), however, is afraid the star goalkeeper could face more than the customary one-match suspension.
“It all depends on match commissioner’s report,” said an official. “In case the organisers report the matter and the match commissioner decides to include it in his report, then Paul could even be suspended for a longer duration. We only hope they prefer to ignore the incident,” said the official.
“The match commissioner, I believe, has taken photographs of the broken refrigerator and could produce it to AFC along with the report,” the official added.
Meanwhile, several former India goalkeepers felt the referee was completely justified in showing the red card. While Tanumoy Bose and Brahmanand said they had no doubt the official was within his rights, Atanu Bhattacharya felt it was a big mistake by Paul.
“I was amazed to see how Subrata went for the man even after collecting the ball,” said Bhattacharya. “I think he should be given some counselling before he plays the next match for India.”
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