Mohun Bagan fans ecstatic, former football stars welcome AIFF decision

Kolkata, Jan 15 (IANS) Mohun Bagan fans were ecstatic and emotional as they celebrated the removal of the suspension on their club by the All India Football Federation here Tuesday. Former soccer stars also welcomed the decision.

There were joyous signs at the club tent as relived Mohun Bagan fans embraced each other. Some of them had tears in their eyes.

“I could not sleep last night. Today I could not go to office. I was so worried. Now I am happy,” said 30-year-old Krishna Shankar Pal.

Chuni Goswami, who captained India to the gold in the Jakarta Asian Games, was euphoric.

“Today is my 75th birthday. I could not have hoped for a better gift on this day. I was hoping against hope that my club’s punishment would be reduced,” said Goswami, a former Olympian, who never turned out for any club other than Mohun Bagan.

“The AIFF has responded to the sentiments of the legions of club fans. This decision is good for Bengal football, for Indian football,” he said.

Another Olympian P. K. Banerjee thanked the AIFF for the decision, but said the club officials should now “learn their lesson”.

“The Mohun Bagan officials are squarely responsible for the club’s predicaments. The AIFF has taken this decision to revoke the suspendion after applying its mind and considering the sentiments of the club fans. And at the same time it has done the right thing by barring Bagan officials from attending AIFF and I-League meetings for a year.”

IANS 2013-01-15 23:52:07