On Friday, the ISL game between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC sparked controversy when Sunil Chhetri struck from the free-kick, apparently without waiting for the referee’s all-clear. The goal was allowed by the referee and Bengaluru led 1-0 in the evening. Kerala Blasters players, aged six and seven at the time of the collapse, felt the decision had cost them dearly.

This goal became controversial. Sunil Chhetri disclosed his stand for this incident.

The episode sparked an argument between Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic, who then ordered his players to stop participating on the field and left. The players left with 20 minutes on the clock.

In the end, Blasters’ act was deemed the game’s defeat and thus Bengaluru FC earned a 1-0 victory. Sunil Chhetri has given his opinion on the strike by Kerala Blasters players in Bangalore following the controversy that followed his goal. “I do not know what happened. I’m still trying to calculate it. In 22 years of my career, I’ve never seen that.” Chhetri was quoted as saying by ESPN. “And I don’t mean that negatively or positively, but in a weird way. We are very fortunate to be on the lucky side. We look forward to going to Mumbai and playing against the champions.”

“I always ask the referee (if I can take a free kick) because if he doesn’t allow it, it won’t happen. It was a bittersweet moment. First, we thought about whether the match would take place or not. But I’m glad we made it to the semi-finals. I can’t wait to play Mumbai,” added the Indian. “The referee asked me if I required the wall or the hooter. They always do this. I said I don’t want the pipe or the wall,” Chhetri said.

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