Referee plays the spoiler

PUNE, Feb 2: Rough play compounded by poor refereeing from Fidellis Fernandes marred the PDFA Second Division Super League football encou...

PUNE, Feb 2: Rough play compounded by poor refereeing from Fidellis Fernandes marred the PDFA Second Division Super League football encounter between KP XI and Kirkee Blues at Ghorpuri Military Ground today.

It all started three minutes before the breather when referee Fidellis blew for a spot kick in favour of KP XI when Kirkee Blues8217; defender Satish Ghorpade chested the ball of a free-kick. A fiery argument ensued and the Kirkee players including Satish were adamant that the ball touched his chest instead of his hand. The argument resulted in full eight minutes of stoppage.

While the referee stood his ground the players surrounded him urging him to change his decision. Eventually play resumed, and Dinesh Dravida stepping forward to take the spot kick converted for KP XI8217;s first goal. With Kirkee Blues striving for the equaliser, another decision sparked off incident yet again. A penalty, however, failed to bring KP fruit as Dinesh Dravida struck the post. But two minutes later Dravid made amends scoring for the second time. After Rohit Swamy8217;s attempt was not cleanly cleared by custodian Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Dinesh slammed home to make it 2-0.

More drama when Blues8217; substitute David Motidas added to a quick yellow with a red 8212; retribution for threatening language against linesman Sidney D8217;Souza.

Fifteen minutes to go for the final whistle and KP XI8217;s Trishul Jain brought down Jannuddin Shaikh which brooked a red card. An irate Kirkee Blues left the ground in protest. The referee eventually blew the long whistle twelve minutes from time.

The next match between two upcoming teams of the Third Division 8212; Fatima XI and Knights XI 8212; ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, doing much to obscure the unsavoury happenings of the pervious match.

Michael D8217;Souza drew first blood for Fatima XI in the second minute only for Knights to level eight minutes before the interval through Christy Robert, punishing 8216;keeper Sameer D8217;Souza who floundered after Michael D8217;Cruz effected a dipping free-kick. After lemon time it was the turn of Knights XI to go up 2-1 with a brilliant solo effort by Lalchand Parmar in the 55th minute. Vijayan Arland restored parity from a penalty two minutes from time after Aslam Tamboli impeded Clement D8217;Souza. Fatima XI and Knights XI now share four points two outings .

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Today8217;s fixtures: Military ground, Ghorpuri 2.00 p.m: IIIrd Div: Thundercatz vs Jolly Ghorpuri; 3.30 p.m: IInd Div: Parshuramians vs SRPF.