Robert Pires banned for two matches after altercation in which he was allegedly 'punched in the face' by opposition coach
The former Arsenal player features in the inaugural Indian Super League
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FC Goa midfielder Robert Pires has been suspended for two games in the inaugural Indian Super League after allegedly being involved in a half-time altercation with Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Lopez Habas.
After Thursday's game, which featured seven yellow cards, Goa coach Zico claimed the former Arsenal man had been punched by Habas, with both clubs submitting written reports to the ISL governing body on Friday.
"The other thing that happened which is more serious is that one of our players said that he was beaten by the coach of the other team," Zico told reporters after the match.
"Pires said he was punched on the face by the Atletico coach and it is very shameful.
"The other thing that happened which is more serious is that one of our players said that he was beaten by the coach of the other team," Zico told reporters after the match.
"I am telling you what my players told me and I didn't see that myself but I don't think that Pires will lie and say something that didn't happen."
A disciplinary committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday stated Pires had been suspended for two matches, with Habas banned for four.
Both Pires and Habas were fined rupees 500,000 (£5,071) each, and each have four days to submit an appeal.
Habas had previously been warned for his behaviour following Atletico's 2-0 win over North East United on October 16.
A statement released to Press Association Sport read: "Robert Pires of FC Goa has been suspended for next two matches of Indian Super League and fined Rs 5,00,000 (Rupees Five Lakh) for breach of All India Football Federation disciplinary code (article 58) of offensive behaviour and fair play.
"Antonio Lopez Habas, head coach of Atletico de Kolkata has been suspended for next four matches of Indian Super League and fined Rs 500,000 (Rupees Five Lakh) for breach of All India Football Federation disciplinary code (article 58) of offensive behaviour and fair play for the second time. Antonio Lopez Habas was previously summoned with a warning by the AIFF's disciplinary committee under its article 58, earlier on October 18, 2014."
Pires, who was part of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' squad which went unbeaten throughout the 2003-04 Premier League season en route to winning the title, was heavily involved in Goa's 2-1 home defeat, which put them in sixth place.
Atletico striker Fikru Lemessa, an Ethiopia internation
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments