I Did Not Punch, Says Chand
A disappointed Suva football captain Nickel Chand said he did not deserve to be shown the red card as he did not punch any player.
Referee Rakesh Chandra said Chand was given the marching orders for punching a Labasa striker.
“I did not punch the player,” the Suva midfielder said.
“I just defended myself since he was coming onto me. It was just disappointing when I asked him why was I red-carded?
“Just for pushing the player and he replied that I punched him which I did not.”
Labasa had just drawn level 1-1 through a Ilisoni Logaivau penalty before the incident happened.
Playing with only 10-men the Babasiga Lions immediately took advantage of the situation and scored three quick goals.
Chand said there is nothing he could do about it but to accept the decision.
“That is referee’s decision.
“We can’t reverse it we just have to move on,” he added.
