ISL 2020-21: SC East Bengal refute claims that Robbie Fowler’s comments were racist

Indian Super League (ISL) debutants SC East Bengal have released a statement through their social media handles refuting claims that the disciplinary charge brought against Robbie Fowler by the AIFF is for an alleged ‘racist’ remark against referees. This was widely reported in the media yesterday following a news piece by the Press Trust of India.

The statement reads, “While the Club is mindful of the gravity of an allegation of racism, Mr. Fowler’s comments on the refereeing were in no way racist. The disciplinary charge from the All India Football Federation which Mr. Fowler will be responding to also does not allude to any racist connotations in Mr. Fowler’s comments.”

https://twitter.com/sc_eastbengal/status/1356924808911609857

While the charge is still being investigated by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee, the verdict is yet to come out. It was previously mentioned that his punishment might include a 5-match touchline ban and a fine of Rs 6 lakh. However, it remains to be seen if that is indeed the case or if the charge is reduced to any significant degree. The club also added in their statement that they were behind the Liverpool legend “in the face of any attempt to discredit his image as a global football icon”.

The Red and Golds slumped to yet another defeat last night against a struggling Bengaluru FC and it seems all their hopes of somehow sneaking into the top 4 is now gone. They have 13 points from 15 matches so far and play Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC next before the derby comes calling once again.