ISL: Kerala Blasters stage walkout in playoff match against Bengaluru FC

The Kerala Blasters on Friday created huge controversy after the team decided to stage a walkout and forfeit their all-important ISL play-off clash against Bengaluru FC in protest against a contentious Sunil Chhetri strike.

After a goalless stalemate during regulation time, Bengaluru FC took a 97th-minute lead when the talismanic Indian captain converted a free-kick.

But the goal led to full-blown drama as the Adrian Luna-led side protested against referee Crystal John's decision to declare it a legitimate goal.

This followed an unprecedented walkout, a first in ISL where Serbian coach Ivan Vukomanovic called back his players. 

While Bengaluru FC were declared the winners, the Blasters could face heavy sanctions from the league authorities.

Also read: PSG's Achraf Hakimi charged with rape, placed under judicial supervision