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Minerva Punjab FC may be fined heavily for not producing “Man of the Match” Chencho Gyeltshen during the post-match conference after their memorable win over Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in a crucial I-League tie at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Mohun Bagan’s miseries continued as they were outclassed by Minerva Punjab 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium, which took the visiting team to the top of the I-League table. Bhutanese forward Chencho scored a brace to take full points for the Punjab-based side. Minerva Punjab are playing exceptional football this season; this was their sixth victory in eight matches.
As per the rules of the AIFF, the “Man of the Match” must appear during the press meet following the match. But only Khogen Singh, the Minerva Punjab head coach was present. The match commissioner Velukutty Nair Rathesh Kumar inquired about Chencho and even said that the club might be heavily fined for the incident.
However, Khogen revealed that Chencho was injured and could not attend the post-match press meet, as he was undergoing treatment.
When asked about the consequences for the negligence, Velukutty said, “We will investigate into the matter, and if we feel that the reason given for his absence is not genuine, we will impose a fine on Minerva Punjab FC.”
Chencho was standing outside the stadium following the press conference, and when asked about his status, he said that he had a slight injury in his groin, but it was nothing serious.
Minerva Punjab have a lot to play for in the upcoming matches; a few more wins could take them closer to the I-League title. They displaced East Bengal at the top of the table and are looking good to clinch the title this season. Their next two matches will be crucial for them as they are scheduled to play back-to-back away matches against Shillong Lajong FC and NEROCA FC.
Last year Aizawl FC re-created a Leicester City-like story by winning the I-League in their second season at the top-flight. Co-incidentally, this is Minerva’s second year in the I-League and they are already looking strong to make it all the way.
