Minerva Punjab ready to forfeit if Srinagar game isn’t postponed

NEWDELHI: Holders Minerva Punjab have requested the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to shift their upcoming I-League match from Srinagar or defer it in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack, saying the club is ready to forfeit if the game is not rescheduled. The defending champions are scheduled to play Real Kashmir on February 18.

“We have written to the AIFF requesting them to shift the game from Srinagar. My team jersey has the line written ‘We Salute Indian Army’. A game of football is nothing compared to what has happened last evening,” Minerva Punjab owner Ranjit Bajaj said.

“We are willing to forfeit the February 18, game if it is not moved out.”

When contacted, I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said they will consider the feedback from the local authorities in Srinagar. “As of now, the match is on, and shifting remains the last resort,” Dhar said.

AIZAWL HOST BAGAN

AIZAWL: Former champions Aizawl FC will host Mohun Bagan in an I-League clash here on Saturday.

Both teams are already out of the title race and will be looking to bolster their hopes of finishing higher up in the table. In another I-League game in Kozhikode, Gokulam Kerala will host Indian Arrows.

BLASTERS END DROUGHT

KOCHI: Kerala Blasters notched only their second win of this Indian Super League (ISL) season after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC here on Friday. Matej Poplatnik scored a brace (23rd, 55th) to put the hosts in the driving seat and young midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad finished things off in the 71st minute to score his first ever ISL goal and end his team’s 14-game winless run.

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin saw their nightmare season continue after their 12th loss of the season. On Saturday, fifthplaced Jamshedpur FC will face FC Pune City in Jamshedpur.