Football match abandoned

A first round match of the Mammen Mappillai Trophy all India football tournament between Mahindras and Kerala Police was abandoned before half time after the spectators entered the ground in protest against a disputed goal scored by the Mahindras today.

Mahindras was leading by a goal scored in the 15th minute by Akhil Ansari through a free kick. The problem started when a section of the spectators allegedly pelted stones and rushed to the ground when the assistant referee failed to raise his flag against a visible off-side move by Mahindras which ultimately turned into a goal in the 42nd minute.

After heated arguments the teams agreed to resume the match but the spectators interferred and objected to continuation of the play. The organisers finally decided to abandon the match. No decision had been taken about holding the match again.

Kerala Police will play against ITI, Bangalore tomorrow.