Indian Super Cup 2018 Final: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu deserved a 'red card' believes Khalid Jamil

Although he refused to blame the referee for his side's defeat, East Bengal manager Khalid Jamil said that a couple of decisions by the referee did turn the tide in the Super Cup final, which his side lost to Bengaluru FC by a 4-1 margin, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, on Friday.

East Bengal had started the game well, as striker Ansumana Kromah put them in the lead. However, one particular incident left a lot to be desired for the Red and Gold Supporters, when Kromah broke away from the defence, chasing an aerial ball.

Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saw the danger and charged out of his area, but could only land a high foot on Kromah's hand. By the letter of the law, a red card can be given for a raised foot (and foul by the last man). However, the referee decided to furnish the yellow card, much to the dismay of the East Bengal supporters.

When asked about the incident Jamil said that it was a red card in his books, though he refused to lay the blame on the referee.

"I cannot say anything about the referee’s decision, but I think that was a red card. But the referee is also a human being and can make mistakes," said Jamil after the match. "This is a part of the game. That was one of the turning points though."

Jamil further went on to identify Red and Golds defender Samad Mullick's red card as a second turning point, while he also brought up Kromah's second goal, which was disallowed due to offside.

"I don’t think it was offside. If that goal was given, then anything could have happened at 2-1 (for East Bengal)," he said.

However, he praised his players for playing their hearts out against a quality opposition like Bengaluru FC.

"Talking about this game, I think my boys did really well. They started well, and they also did well as the match wore on. Just that the score was not in our favour. Playing with 10 men against a team like Bengaluru FC is not easy at all," he signed off.