ISL 2019-20: ATK fans take to social media over refereeing decisions

ISL 2019-20 season kicked off on Sunday, October 20, when Kerala Blasters FC hosted ATK at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Kerala Blasters had to do without the imposing presence of defensive mainstay Sandesh Jhingan for the game, as the Indian international has been sidelined with a knee injury. While the two sides played out the much-awaited season opener, the game was not without its fair share of controversy. 

The Kerala Blasters vs ATK game was preceded by much glitz and glamour, but the real show played out during the 90 minutes. ATK's Michael Soosairaj was unfortunate to have his penalty appeal waved off, as he was brought down in the box by Blasters' Jairo Rodrigues. Soosairaj went on to post a clip of the even on his Twitter handle. While the ATK midfielder did not go on to vent about the decision on social media, Soosairaj can be seen getting clearly upset over the referee's decision to ignore his appeals for a penalty.

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Kerala Blasters coach Eelco Schattorie also took to Twitter to refute comments saying that Kerala was thoroughly outplayed in the season opener. Refereeing decisions were the bone of contention for both sides during the game. Blasters fans and ATK fans both took to social media to vent their frustration over the decisions made by the referee during the game. ATK were ahead as early as the fifth minute. However, when ATK's Roy Krishna played a defence-splitting pass to put David Williams through on goal, Williams was adjudged to have been offside, even though replays proved otherwise. 

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There was also a fair bit of drama in the second half as another penalty appeal from ATK was waved off when Mouhamadou Gning seemed to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Despite passionate appeals from the visitors, the referee decided otherwise and signalled for a goal-kick. As a result, ATK failed to protect their lead and succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, thanks to a brace from Bartholomew Ogbeche.

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ISL 2019-20: ATK fans take to Twitter

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