Delhi: Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been handed a two match suspension along with a fine of ₹3 lakh, with immediate effect for the Indian Super League.
The former Stabæk FC custodian who was shown a straight red , following a off-the- ball incident with Manuel Lanzarote in the 3-4 loss to FC Goa on November 30 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, was found to have breached the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Code Article 49 (misconduct against opponents or person other than match officials), based on the match officials’ report.
“Mr. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Player (Jersey No. 1) of Bengaluru FC is fined Rs 3,00,000 and is suspended for two matches of Bengaluru FC, from the date of this decision. The amount should be deposited to All India Football Federation within 10 days from the date of communication of this decision and until such payment, the match suspension to continue, over and above two-match suspension,” the AIFF Disciplinary Committee report said.
The two match ban however comes as a huge blow to the two time I-League champions whose keeping options have taken a jolt, with both the first and second choice keepers out of contention. While Sandhu has been suspended, Abhra Mondal who replaced the no. 1 against Goa has injured his hamstring and may well be out for the next four to five weeks.
Meanwhile, it was also for the first time in his career that the 25-year-old Gurpreet was shown a red card and sent off. He will therefore sit out of Bengaluru’s two away games against NorthEast United and Pune City FC. One of Calvin Abhishek and Lalthuammawia Ralte, the two available keepers is expected to take his place.