A highly unusual incident took place before the start of a match, as a player was shown a red card in the tunnel while neither team had yet entered the field. The event, unprecedented in Indian top-level football, occurred ahead of the Super Cup semi-final.
On Thursday, FC Goa were due to face Mumbai City FC. However, before the match commenced, FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was dismissed after the referee sent him off in the tunnel.
As both teams waited, Guarrotxena was observed arguing with the referee. The situation escalated, leading the referee to issue a straight red card and instruct him to leave the area.
Reports indicate that the dispute originated from the colour of his undershirt, which matched the opposition’s kit. This is against regulations. The referee asked him to change it, but he refused. The disagreement intensified and resulted in his expulsion.
Following the match, coach Manolo Márquez expressed his disbelief at the decision. He had assumed the issue would be resolved easily. Upon entering the pitch, on the other hand he learned that his captain had been sent off and would be unavailable for the final. A player noted that he had never witnessed such a situation.
Regulations allow a team to replace a player sent off before kick-off, leading to Spanish forward Javier Siverio taking his place.
Goa secured a 2–1 win to reach the final, where they will meet East Bengal on রবিবার, after East Bengal’s 3–1 victory over Punjab in the first semi-final.
SS