Football
‘You are more Indian than Indians’ – Fans react after Indian Football team coach Igor Stimac defends his actions in match against Pakistan
Indian Men’s Football team head Coach Igor Stimac took to social media on Thursday to defend his actions during India’s SAFF Championship opening match against Pakistan at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. He was sent off for interrupting a quick throw-in from Pakistan. Stimac received a red card in the final minutes of the first half of the game.
It was a big blow for India and the referee took his time before taking the call as the Indian coach was at fault. On the brink of halftime, the ball went outside of the pitch and Pakistan’s defender Abdullah Iqbal attempted the throw-in.
Stimac was not pleased with that and wanted the referee to check the last who had the last foot. He stopped Iqbal from taking the throw-in and knocked the ball out of his hand which led to on-field altercations between the players of both sides including Pakistan’s team manager who also expressed his anger.
‘You can hate or love me for my actions yesterday’ – Stimac
“Football is all about passion, especially when you defend the colours of your country. You can hate 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 pitch against unjustified decisions,” Stimac wrote on his Twitter.
Assistant coach Mahesh Gawali deputised for the head coach for the touchline after the break. After the match, Gawali said that the red card might appear a bit harsh on Stimac, but the referee had to go by the book.
“Yeah, it was an offence that if you go by the book often attracts a red card. But yeah, but then we feel that it might have been a bit harsh on the coach,” said Gawli during the post-match press conference.
Talking about the match, India completely outclassed Pakistan with a 4-0 victory in Bengaluru. Skipper Sunil Chettri netted an early brace before adding another after the break for his fourth international hat-trick taking his tally to 90 international goals. Meanwhile substitute Udanta Singh finished the job with a fourth goal leading to a memorable victory for India.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Full support sir ..never leave your team and team members behind. 💪❤️
— Hunटरर ♂ (@nickhunterr) June 22, 2023
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 22, 2023
We are seeing some of the best football, India has ever played. Long may it continue. Also, great to see some aggression from you on the sideline! Channelling your West Ham days clearly 🔥
— The Indian Hammers (@indianhammers) June 22, 2023
These paki can't even score a goal once, even if we play without a goalkeeper. So, from next time, let's play against Pakistan without a goalkeeper to make the match more competitive. BTW full support 💪
— Sir BoiesX 🕯 (@BoiesX45) June 22, 2023
Boss, love the passion you've put into the project. But please consider…we were leading & dominating, the throw in (though wrong) wouldn't have hurt. Now you've gone & gotten suspended for the next game on this trivial issue, when we may need you. Fouling must be tactical also.
— Anshuman Pande (@pande_anshuman) June 22, 2023
We love you we respect you 🫡 🇮🇳❤️🇭🇷
Make india proud & grab opportunities to play in fifa wc 🏆— Bxsandhu (@Bhupind66028071) June 22, 2023
