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Chennaiyin FC’s thrilling 3-2 win over FC Goa in last night’s Indian Super League final was marred by their captain Elano Blumer being arrested. The Brazilian was allegedly involved in an altercation in the tunnels after the game, and was taken into custody just a few moments after lifting the ISL trophy.
The Brazilian was taken to the Margao police station after FC Goa owner Dattaraj Salgaonkar filed a FIR against him, claiming that Elano physically and verbally assaulted him near the dugouts after the game. Subsequently, Elano was charged under sections 323, 341 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The charges include ‘Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt’, ‘Punishment for wrongful restraint’ and ‘Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace’. Elano was questioned for over two hours by the Margao police, who asked the Brazilian to also surrender his passport.
However, all three charges are bailable offences and Elano is not required, by law, to surrender his passport. The 34 year old Brazilian is free to leave the country, after Chennayin FC appointed lawyer, Rajeev Gomes, posted bail, which allowed the Margao police station to release Elano.
The judge who granted Elano bail, stated in his ruling, “The Respondent shall release the Applicant, herewith, if offences alleged are bailable upon turning bail bond to the satisfaction of the investigation officer.”
Somewhat bizarrely, Elano was seen posing for selfies with the same police officers who questioned him moments ago, as he left the station.
Post match presentation affected
FC Goa were also conspicuously absent from the post match festivities, as the entire squad did not stay to receive their runners up medals. The Gaurs’ players, Haokip and Joffre were awarded the ‘ISL Emerging Player of the Match’ and the ‘Hero of the Match’ respectively, but were not present to collect it, with ISL officials accepting the awards on their behalf.
A clue to their absence can be found from Goan Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, who was present for the match, but left before the prize distribution ceremony.
Speaking to The Hindu, he said, “I left the stadium when, apart from poor refereeing, I noticed the Chennaiyin FC captain insulting, abusing and assaulting Mr. Salgaonkar. I did not find it worthwhile to even wait for the prize distribution function. I was invited for the match by Mr. Salgaonkar.”
