Bengaluru FC owner blasts refereeing in ISL final loss, Blasters' fans call it 'irony'

Kerala Blasters fans have mocked Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal after he criticised refereeing decisions in his side's defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan in the final of the Indian Super League in Goa on Saturday.

Bengaluru lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the score was level at 2-2 at the end of extra time.

Three penalties were awarded in the match, two for ATKMB - both converted by Dimitri Petratos - in regulation time. Jindal was unhappy with the officiating and called for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in Indian football.

"I’m sorry this league @IndSuperLeague definitely needs to introduce VAR - some of these decisions ruin big games and influence big games - I am very proud of the boys @bengalurufc - you didn’t lose today - this one hurts because the decisions were just shocking," Jindal tweeted.

The tweet that was made soon after the match ended, went viral in no time, and the Blasters' fans were arguably the most to interact with. “Karma,” said a number of replies under Jindal's tweet. “The irony,” some commented.

Jindal had been critical of Kerala Blasters for their controversial walkout during a clash with Bengaluru in the knockout on March 3.

The match ended with an unprecedented walkout by Kerala Blasters led by their head coach Ivan Vukomanovic. The Blasters were protesting a controversial freekick goal scored by Bengaluru skipper Sunil Chhetri in extra time. The walkout led to the Blasters forfeiting the tie and Bengaluru advanced.

However, the debate over refereeing in the ISL had been raging and the Blasters petitioned the league against referee Crystal John. The fans backed their coach and players.