New Delhi: Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Pune City head coach Ranko Popovic was on Thursday suspended for four matches and fined Rs 5 lakh with immediate effect by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The AIFF disciplinary committee found Popovic in breach of Article 50 (misconduct against match officials) and Article 58 (offensive behavior and fair play) for his remarks made against match officials at the post-match press conference in Goa after their fixture with FC Goa, the ISL said in a press release.
"Ranko Popovic, head coach of FC Pune City is fined Rs 5,00,000 and is suspended for four matches from the date of this decision. The amount should be deposited to the AIFF within 10 days from the date of communication of this decision and until such payment, the match suspension is to continue, over and above four-match suspension," the AIFF disciplinary committee communication said in a statement.
The Serbian had commented after the game that he felt FC Goa's Ahmed Jahouh should have been sent off in the first half.
Popovic said after the game, "If you want to talk about how many fouls they made in the game; in two games we got (players) sent off for nothing. Today what is this, rugby? Who was the referee (Rowan Arumughan) protecting? Are there different rules for Pune City?’’
Popovic also slammed the referee for turning a blind eye to FC Goa midfielder Ahmed Jahouh’s challenges on the field.
“The No. 5 (Ahmed Jahouh) had to be sent off in 10 or 15 minutes, but I am very happy because we behaved as gentlemen. We didn't make any rough fouls. We have to protect ourselves if someone (referee) doesn't have respect for us,’’ he had said.
Pune won the match 2-0.
Read also: More ISL News | Injured Dhawan doubtful for first Test