PANAJI
The Selvel Goa Professional League match between Salgaocar FC and Calangute Association was called off midway in the second half after protests from beachside players over a controversial refereeing decision in the clash at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Tuesday.
The drama began in the 72nd minute when Calangute Association were awarded a penalty after Salgaocar defender Linbert Rebello handled Melvin Lobo’s effort inside the box. Kouame Junior converted the spot kick but the referee quickly ruled out the goal for a possible infringement by a Calangute player and that’s when the drama began as the play was halted.
Match Commissioner Egidio Da Costa then took over an hour to call off the match. The outcome of the game will be decided by the Goa Football Association.
After suffering consecutive defeats, Salgaocar started the game on an attacking note almost scored in the fifth minute only to be denied by the crossbar. Steflon D’Costa darted into the box and hit a powerful strike which was blocked by Calangute keeper Paramveer Singh. Fhezer Gomes’s effort from the rebound hit the framework. Salgaocar were denied once again as Selwyn's curler hit the crossbar.
At the other end, Calangute had their first attempt in the 16th minute when Nickson Castanha tried his luck from a distance, but his shot was easily collected by the keeper. The game was mainly restricted to a midfield battle which came to life just before the breather where once again the Greens failed to capitalise on their chances.
In the second session, the search for the goal continued for both teams but neither side had clear-cut chances until the 72nd minute when the penalty was awarded.
