NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) has appealed to the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) and ISL authorities on October 9 against the decisions which went against the team during their first match of the season against Bengaluru FC on October 8.
“…we have appealed to the federation and the ISL to overturn these decisions,” NEUFC head coach Marco Balbul said in a statement.
The Highlanders end up losing the match 0-1 after a goal in injury time by Jon Gaztanaga was disallowed by the referee as offside. Later when the players and support staff staged their protests, Marco Balbul was red-carded.
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) October 9, 2022
Marco Balbul said that a poor decision from the referees cost them one crucial point.
“It was very disappointing. I am a calm coach and I couldn’t control my emotions, my frustration was due to his decision. But now we have appealed to the federation and the ISL to overturn these decisions,” the 55-year-old Israeli coach said.
“Yesterday (October 8) we showed a very good performance against a very strong team at their home. Our players showed a good desire to win the game, and a good display of attacking football. It was a wonderful performance from the boys.”
NEUFC next plays against defending champion Hyderabad FC in Guwahati on October 13.