Red Card Shown Even Before Kick-Off

There was still some time left before the match was scheduled to begin, and neither team had yet stepped onto the pitch. At that very moment, an extraordinary incident unfolded — a footballer was shown a red card in the tunnel before the match had even started. Such an unprecedented event occurred in top-tier Indian football.

On Thursday, FC Goa were preparing to face Mumbai City FC in the semi-final of the Super Cup. However, before kick-off, FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was shown a red card while standing in the tunnel and was forced to leave the field.

As both teams waited in the tunnel, Guarrotxena was seen engaging in an argument with the referee. Moments later, the referee issued a straight red card and instructed him to step aside.

According to sources, the incident stemmed from Guarrotxena’s inner clothing. The T-shirt he was wearing beneath his jersey matched the colour of the opposing team’s kit, which is against the regulations. The referee asked him to change it, but Guarrotxena refused. The disagreement escalated, ultimately resulting in a direct red card.

After the match, Goa coach Manolo Márquez expressed his astonishment at the decision. He initially assumed the matter would be resolved on the spot. He later learned upon entering the pitch that his captain had been sent off and would not be able to play in the final. A player also stated that he had never witnessed anything like it.

Under the rules, if a player is shown a red card before kick-off, a replacement is allowed. As a result, Spanish forward Javier Siverio took Guarrotxena’s place in the starting line-up.

Goa eventually secured a 2–1 victory to reach the final. They will face East Bengal on রবিবার, who defeated Punjab 3–1 in the first semi-final.

Khaborwala/SS