AIFF suspends defender Arnab for two matches

 East Bengal’s title aspirations were dealt a blow as the disciplinary committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday slapped their key defender Arnab Mondal with a two-match ban and a fine of Rs one lakh for use of ‘aggressive and abusive words’.

The Indian international was found guilty of abusing Mohun Bagan's Trinidad and Tobago striker Cornell Glenn during their derby tie on April 2.

Though the Bagan management had filed a complaint against Mondal for hurling racial remarks against the Bagan striker, the disciplinary committee found no evidence against Mondal for the said charges.

Mondal will miss East Bengal’s all-important league tie against Bengaluru FC on Sunday, apart from their outing against Sporting Clube de Goa on April 15.

“Arnab Mondal, who was found guilty of using aggressive/abusive words against Cornell Glen, is suspended for next two matches in I-League and he is liable to pay a fine of Rs. 1,00,000 within seven days,” the AIFF said in a release.

“Arnab, who has also led the national team, is also cautioned by the disciplinary committee,” it added.

The disciplinary committee also suspended Mohun Bagan assistant coach Shan­karlal Chakraborty who was given marching orders by the referee during the derby. Chakraborty, who was standing-in for head coach Sanjoy Sen in that match, protested against a penalty given by the referee in favour of East Bengal.