Media boycotts Minerva after club keeps out reporter

PANCHKULA,HARYANA: Controversy was triggered by I-league leaders Minerva Punjab on Monday after the media walked out of a the post-match media conference. It happened after Minerva’s 2-0 win over Aizawl. On Sunday, Minerva officials had stopped a reporter from The Tribune from attending the pre-match press conference for writing an article. On Monday, he was barred from entering the stadium.

Minerva director Henna Singh, with bouncers in tow, ensured t he reporter was escorted out. In the post-match press conference, the media attended the Aizawl briefing, but later walked out of the Minerva briefing to register their protest against the club’s action.

I-league CEO Sunando Dhar was present at the venue. The reporter and the club are already fighting a case and the matter is sub judice. “We are aware of the situation and have asked the club to file an official reply. Once it comes, we will take appropriate action,” Sunando Dhar said.

The last time Delhi Dynamos and Mumbai City met in the Indian Super League (ISL), the latter secured a 4-0 win at home in a game that saw both sides play the second half with ten men.

At the time, it was Delhi Dynamos’ sixth straight loss in the tournament.

Miguel Angel Portugal’s side managed to win only one game from their next six after the loss in Mumbai and their poor run saw them go out of contention for a playoff spot well before the end of the regular season.

REVERSAL

However, the team from the capital has enjoyed a reversal of fortunes in recent games. In a bid for a strong finish to the season, Dynamos have managed to pick up eight points from their last four games, losing two and drawing two.

In the last match against twotime ISL champions ATK, they