Top 5 memorable moments in the 2014 Indian Super League
Indian Super Leagues inaugural season surprised us all with both drama and excitement, and it changed the scene in Indian football. There werea number of game-changing moments in the first season last year, ones that will still be fresh in the minds of the fans whether they want to remember or forget them.As the second season of the Indian Super League is set to kick off on 3 October2015 in Chennai, we take a look at the top 5 most memorable moments in the inaugural season.
#5 The clashes on and off the field
The beautiful game can sometimes turn ugly too. Fikru Teferra Lemessa of Atletico de Kolkata was also involved in an on-field controversy when the Ethiopian international headbutted Gregory Arnolin of FC Goa and was later suspended for two matches and fined Rs 5,00,000. Later in the tournament, Fikru was also involved in an on-field clash with his team-mate Yakub Podany when Atletico de Kolkata faced FC Goa at the Salt Lake stadium.
It is still not clear why he didn’t participate in the semi-finals and finals of the tournament, and why he was not retained by Atletico de Kolkata for the upcoming season.
Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio Habas and FC Goa marquee signing Robert Pires were also involved in a tunnel fight and it was claimed Pires was 'beaten and punched in the face' by Habas.
Habas was suspended for four matches of and fined Rs 5,00,000 for breach of the AIFF Disciplinary Code while Pires was suspended for two matches and fined Rs 5,00,000 as well.
“One of our players said that he was beaten by the coach of the other team,” Zico had said after the game. “Pires said he was punched on the face by the Atletico coach and it is very shameful.
“I am telling you what my players told me and I didn’t see that myself but I don’t think that Pires will lie and say something that didn’t happen.”