The ISL and All India Football Federation have given Mohammedan Sporting until October 26 to respond to a disciplinary committee on the complaint of improper fan behaviour filed by Kerala Blasters in connection with Sunday's match played at Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
The travelling fans from Kerala and the Blasters players also reported being attacked with missiles thrown from the home supporters' end. Onamanorama reported that at least two Blasters fans sustained injuries. The league's disciplinary committee, which met on Tuesday, charged Mohammedan under section 7.3.8 of the ISL rules, which pertain to 'improper conduct of spectators/supporters'.
The article says, 'the Home Club is liable for improper conduct among spectators, regardless of the question of culpable conduct or culpable oversight.' Examples of improper conduct include "violence towards persons or objects, letting off incendiary devices (including but not limited to flares and fireworks) and throwing objects," among other things.
A breach of the ISL rules could invite a 'first occasion penalty of a minimum of Rs 1 lakh' fine. However, the fine could be higher depending on the seriousness of the matter.
Meanwhile, Mohammedan could face harsher sanctions from the AIFF that would weigh in the complaint and further penalise the club. "In Europe, we have seen clubs penalised with stadium bans for spectators at future matches. That is for the AIFF to decide. We will wait and see what the AIFF decides and then proceed accordingly," Abhik Chatterjee, CEO of Kerala Blasters, told Onmanorama.
A senior member of Mohammedan's governing council was heard condemning the behaviour of their fans after full-time. He urged fans of Mohammedan to instil discipline, warning them that the club could face fines due to improper conduct. Blasters striker Noah Sadaoui also expressed disappointment over the behaviour of the Kolkata crowd. "I was kind of disappointed because there were some bottles thrown at us. I hope they have some respect for us players as we have respect for them," Sadaoui told media persons after the match.
Mohammedan coach could also be fined
In addition, the ISL could also penalise Mohammedan coach Andrey Chernyshov, who complained about the officiating in the match. Chernyshov felt the referee was harsh on his players. "Every touch from us, yellow card; one touch, yellow card," Chernyshov said in the post-match press conference. Both sets of players received four yellow cards each in the match that the Blasters won 2-1.