The star India defender had reportedly made sexist remarks following ATK Mohun Bagan's 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters in the ISL fixture on February 19.
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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday warned ATK Mohun Bagan defender Sandesh Jhingan for making sexist remarks following his team’s 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters in the Indian super League (ISL) fixture at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on February 19. Although Jhingan had apologised for his remarks after the match, his received widespread backlash on social media.
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— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) February 21, 2022
“The AIFF Disciplinary Committee has issued a stern warning to ATK Mohun Bagan player Sandesh Jhingan for his comments made after their match against Kerala Blasters FC (on February 19),” said a statement from the ISL.
In the 11-second video uploaded by the Mariners on their Instagram page, which has since been deleted, captured the 28-year-old center-back saying “Aurato ke saath match khel aaya hoon, aurato ke saath” (I have played a match with women, with women) as he made his way back to the dressing room.
The star defender later clarified saying he made the comment during an argument with his statement and posted an apology.
“I know a lot has happened in the last 48 hours, and it has been down to an error in judgement from my part. I have had the time to sit and reflect, something which I should have done, instead to react…,” Jhingan posted on Twitter.
“To put it simply, what I said in the heat of the game, is, it’s wrong, and I am truly sorry for it and I know I have let many people down, including myself and my family.”
“I cannot erase what I have done already, but I will surely do from this is to learn from the situation, try to be a better human being and better professional and try to be a good example.”
He said a fallout from this unsavoury incident “has been that a lot of hate has been targeted towards my family, especially my wife”. “I know people are upset with me but to threaten and racially abuse my family, I think, is not required and unwelcome. So I please request you all to not do it. Lastly again, I am really sorry but I will try to learn from this and try to be a better human being,” Jhingan added.
ATK Mohun Bagan are currently third in the ISL standings with 34 points from 18 games just three points adrift of the leaders Jamshedpur FC with two more league games remaining. The Mariners will next face Chennaiyin FC on Thursday before finishing the league campaign against Jamshedpur FC on Monday.
