‘I am also shocked’

After not speaking to reporters since Cristiano Junior’s death, Subrata Paul met reporters in Kolkata after returning with his teammate...

After not speaking to reporters since Cristiano Junior’s death, Subrata Paul met reporters in Kolkata after returning with his teammates today. The under-fire Mohun Bagan goalkeeper said, ‘‘I never intended to hurt Junior. I’m also shocked after his death. What crime have I committed? If I am suspended, no goalkeeper will ever go for a 50-50 ball.’’

Meanwhile, his family remains in a state of utter shock. Father Pranballav Paul told The Indian Express today, “Subrata had committed no crime. He was only playing football. He was there in Bangalore to play football and not to kill anybody.’’

Continuing, Pranballav says, ‘‘I watched the entire match and I saw Junior collapse on the field. That night I had called Mishtu (Subrata’s nickname) and he told me he was boarding the train for Kolkata the same day.’’

Story continues below this ad

‘‘We had pinned our hopes on him. We gave him our food so that he got all the nourishment,’’ said brother Indrajit. ‘‘Will he be able to come back to the field?’’

His family members say Subrata was always of sweet nature and he was not the sort to pick fight. ‘‘Different newspapers are reporting that my brother was ill-tempered. But he was never like that,’’ sister Sucharita said.

Singer Zubeen Garg passes away in Singapore

Entertainment9 min ago

Popular singer Zubeen Garg passes away after scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was participating in the 4th North East India Festival and had shared a video on Instagram inviting people to attend. He was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. More details to follow.

View all shorts

Live Blog