Suman Chakravorty: Minerva Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj is literally saddened as well as getting ready to see the end of the latest controversy, which will leave him out of the footballing territory for an entire season. As per the AIFF punishment, he will also have to pay a fine of Rs.10 lakh as a part of the punishment.
Talking to www.xtratime.in , Ranjit said, “AIFF’s stand is very clear. If you cannot beat them, ban them.” His voice seemed to have got choked as he continued to say, “Have you ever hear of such punishment in Indian football? I believe this is intentional and I will see the end of it.”
He seemed to be fuming in frustration, as he said, “They impeached that I have racially abused the North-East referee. Can you believe it? I sit with 7 Manipuri players in the U18 I-League and they say that I have racial aversion against the North East referees. This is ridiculous.”
He clarified, “How can the AIFF appoint a referee from NorthEast against a NorthEast opposition and that too in NorthEast? If raising those words of protest is my fault, I have no repentance. I spoke the truth.”
He didn’t hesitate to threat the parental body of Indian football as he said, “I am surely going to appeal against it. If they sustain the decision, I will appeal to Court of Arbitration in Switzerland.” He added, “They don’t know me. I will disclose a lot of things about AIFF to CAS. They are fool if they are thinking to keep me silent like this.”