I-League: East Bengal suffer blow as Arnab Mondal handed two-match ban
With the I-League entering its crucial final stage, East Bengal's title chances suffered a setback with central defender Arnab Mondal being suspended by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the next two matches.
Arnab, who has also led the national team, was also cautioned by the AIFF's disciplinary committee and is liable to pay a fine of Rs.1 lakh within the next seven days. The AIFF's disciplinary committee also handed a two-match ban to Mohun Bagan assistant coach Shankarlal Chakraborty.
Chakraborty will have to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000 within seven days.
The AIFF's action comes in the wake of the ill-tempered derby clash between Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, West Bengal on April 2.
Also read: East Bengal 2-1 Mohun Bagan: Five talking points
The ill-tempered I-League match -- which East Bengal won 2-1 -- saw several clashes between players and officials of both teams and it was later alleged that Mondal racially abused Mohun Bagan striker Cornell Glenn.
Chakraborty was given the marching order by the referee after he used offensive language against match officials.
"AIFF disciplinary committee takes action against Arnab Mondal and Shankarlal Chakraborty on the basis of the complaints lodged against them," the AIFF said in a statement on Saturday.
"Shankarlal Chakraborty, who has also represented Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in his short career, is cautioned by the disciplinary committee from committing such mistakes in future," the statement added.
Also read: All your I-League coverage at one place
Mondal is a crucial cog in the East Bengal defence and his absence may hurt his team's chances. The I-League title still hangs in the balance with defending champions Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru FC still in with a chance.
In order to win the title, East Bengal need to with all their three remaining matches staring with a tough battle away to Bengaluru on Sunday. Mondal's absence in two of those must-win matches mat hit them hard.