It was one thing in contrast to something Indian Super League has ever seen earlier than. A crew strolling out of a playoff match in Indian soccer’s premier competitors. At the centre of it was Sunil Chhetri, and his aim towards Kerala Blasters for Bengaluru FC. All hell broke free after Chhetri scored within the 97th minute from a free-kick, and an enormous controversy adopted. the Basters determined to stroll out off the pitch and forfeit their all-important ISL play-off conflict towards Bengaluru FC, protesting towards Chhetri’s strike.

After a goalless stalemate throughout regulation time on the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru FC took a 97th minute lead when the talismanic Indian captain transformed a free-kick.

But the strike led to a full blown drama because the Adrian Luna-led aspect protested referee Crystal John’s resolution to declare it a legit aim, with counter-claims that he didn’t blow the whistle earlier than Chhetri took the kick and the gamers weren’t prepared.

Watch: Sunil Chhetri’s Goal That Saw Kerala Blasters Forfeit ISL Match

A cheeky free-kick by @chetrisunil11 earned him the Hero of the Match for #BFCKBFC! #HeroISL #HeroISLPlayoffs #LetsFootball #BengaluruFC #SunilChhetri pic.twitter.com/G5VprhaWww

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 3, 2023

This adopted an unprecedented walk-out, a primary in ISL the place Serbian coach Ivan Vukomanovic known as again his gamers. Luna was seen taking off his captain’s arm-band along with his teammates following their skipper.

By advantage of their extra-time lead, Bengaluru FC had been declared winners as they’ll journey to Mumbai City Arena for the semifinal on Tuesday.

“I’ve never seen in my 22 years of career. I always ask the referee. It was a bitter sweet moment. But I’m happy that we are through to the semifinals,” Chhetri stated.

The forfeiture and stroll out value Blasters dearly as they could face heavy sanctions from the league authorities.

Such an occasion was beforehand seen through the Kolkata Derby in I-League 2012 when Mohun Bagan walked off the sphere and refused to show up within the second half after spectators hurled a stone at their winger Syed Rahim Nabi from the East Bengal stands.

With PTI inputs

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