East Bengal captain along with three others face ban and 1lakh fine from IFA

In a recent development, East Bengal captain Lalrindika Ralte along with defensive midfielder Mehtab Singh has received a one-match suspension for manhandling the match referee during their CFL Premier Division A match. The duo has also been fined Rs 1 lakh each after they got into a heated exchange with the referee during their encounter against Peerless SC last night. 

The disciplinary committee of the Indian Football Association (IFA) had to intervene and within six hours of receiving the referee's report, the decision was passed

Both Lalrindika and Mehtab have been given 72 hours to pay the fine, failing which they will be suspended for one year. The concerned players and officials, along with the referee and match commissioner were all present in person to appear before the disciplinary committee.

"They have to pay the amount within 72 hours otherwise suspension will continue for one year," Bengal football's apex body, the IFA said in a statement after violence erupted at end of play.

At the same time, East Bengal team's manager Debraj Chowdhury and goalkeeper coach Abhra Mondal have been suspended for one year from IFA events. 

Spanish right winger Jaime Santos also received a warning but it was later learnt that the referee's report didn't have anything against him. The punishment means Lalrindika and Mehtab will miss the Red and Yellow’s next fixture against Kalighat MS on Thursday. 

While East Bengal will look to bounce back from the 0-1 defeat against Peerless SC when they face Kalighat MS at their club ground on Thursday, arch-rivals Mohun Bagan will look to extend their winning run by defeating Aryan Club in Kalyani. The Green and Maroons, who have won their last two matches against Bhowanipore Club and George Telegraph, have 11 points to their kitty after six matches.