By Tenzin Phende
Dharamsala, June 6 – The 15th Gyalyum Chenmo Gold Cup football tournament had a disgraceful day today with both the teams of second quarterfinals getting disqualified for unsporting behavior. The referee had to abandon the second match between TIPA and Chauntra.
TIPA dominated the first half with 4 goal’s lead but the second half took an ugly turn when a supporter reacted to a scuffle between players on the field leading to a brawl between the two sides’ supporters and players. A policewoman was hurt in the clash between the two teams.
In today’s first quarterfinal match between Madras and Bir united, both the teams looked determined to stop each other from scoring but it was Madras who hit the first blow with a stunning long-range effort. Bir United immediately equalized with a magnificent goal that boosted their confidence.
Minutes before half time, Madras’ right winger hit the ball into the goal to be stopped by the goal keeper but a striker had seen the ball bouncing towards him from the goalkeeper and coolly hit into the goal to take the lead again. The second half started with Madras gaining more confidence and scored 5 more goals. The match ended 6-1 in madras’ favor making them the first team to qualify for semi final.
Today’s incident has cost TIPA an almost certain berth in the semifinal against either Mungod or Bylakuppee who will play tomorrow in the third quarter finals. The winner of tomorrow’s quarterfinal match between will enter straight into the final.
This is the second time that two teams are shown the exit from the contest for unsporting behavior in the most coveted football tournament of the Tibetans in exile in recent years.
