Sandesh Jhingan of ATK Mohun Bagan has been issued a ‘stern warning’ by the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Disciplinary Committee for his views expressed after the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season’s clash versus Kerala Blasters FC there at Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on February 19, reported Marcus Mergulhao.
AIFF disciplinary committee has issued a 'stern warning' to Sandesh Jhingan for his comments made after the match against Kerala Blasters. AIFF took into account the apology tendered by the player on social media and said any repetition will entail exemplary penal actions.
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) March 3, 2022
Sandesh Jhingan, a footballer and the vice-captain of the Indian football team, was caught on tape shouting a sexist comment. “I have played a match with ladies, with women,” the player said in a video posted by his team, ATK Mohun Bagan, and later deleted. It’s uncertain whether Sandesh’s comment was aimed at his team or the Kerala Blasters. Sandesh was a part of the Kerala Blasters from 2014 to 2020, and the club retired his number 21 shirt in his honour after he left.
On Twitter, Sandesh publicly apologized. In his explanation, he said, ‘When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective.’
First things first. The comment was not intended towards Kerala Blasters FC. I have always respected every opponent, and I have a lot of friends at the club. I’d never disrespect the club especially when I have given my blood and sweat for them.
— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) February 20, 2022
ATK Mohun Bagan, who are still third in the ISL standings, will face Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday (March 3). With two games left, a point is enough to clinch a spot in the playoffs for the second year in a row. Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, is out of the play-off equation and is presently in eighth place in the table, with only pride on the stake when they meet ATK Mohun Bagan in their last league game.