BHUBANESWAR: Indian Super League side Odisha FC sacked Stuart Baxter after the club’s coach aired a disgusting rape analogy following their match against Jamshedpur on Monday. “You need decisions to go your way and they didn’t. I don’t know when we’re going to get a penalty. I think one of my players would have to rape someone or get raped himself if he was going to get a penalty.” He aired those views to the official broadcaster after the 1-0 loss.
Odisha acted swiftly and condemned the comments made by the 67-year-old by removing him as their head coach. “The club is appalled at the comments made by head coach, Stuart Baxter during the post-match interview today (Monday). It is completely unacceptable whatever the context and does not reflect the values of the club. We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologize,” the club said on Monday. The club’s CEO Rohan Sharma also came forward to offer an apology. “On my behalf and the club, I sincerely apologise to everyone,” he tweeted.
Fowler set to banned for alleged racist remarks
East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler could be banned and fined for making an alleged racist comment during their match against FC Goa late last month. The former Liverpool forward is purported to have made a comment about the referees. The ISL have are looking into the matter. If Fowler is guilty, he could be banned for five games apart from being slapped with a Rs 6 lakh fine.
Bengaluru end winless run
Bengaluru FC managed to snap an eight match-winless run as they beat East Bengal 2-0 in Vasco. A Cleiton Silva strike in the 12th minute and an own goal from East Bengal goalkeeper Debjit Majumder helped them pick up three crucial points.