Referee lets Fransa down The Statesman MARGAO, Jan. 30. - Referee Mr Bikramjit P, who awarded two penalties to Mahindra United, cost Fransa Pax dearly as they went down to the Federation Cup champions 1-2 in the 10th ONGC National Football League here today. The Goan side took the lead in the 10th minute through Ivan D'silva. Mahindra restored parity in the 19th minute through a penalty by Jose Barreto.
It was a soft penalty awarded by the referee as TV replays showed Peter Rodrigues unintentionally pushing Yakubu inside the box, who was not in a scoring position. Bikramjit blundered again in the 86th minute, when he awarded another penalty as Barreto clashed with Peter Carvalho while going for a tackle. The Brazilian converted the opportunity to give Mahindras the victory. The win makes Mahindra joint league leaders along with Mohammedan Sporting. Mahindra United started well with Yusif Yakubu testing keeper Virendra Singh with a stiff grounder which was pushed away to safety. Fransa played an aggressive game, enjoyed an edge in the midfield giving Mahindra United anxious moments on the flanks. They shot into the lead in the 10th minute when Sydney N Kalanga laid a through pass to Ivan D'silva who finished in style with a left-footer. - PTI
