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.

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