KOLKATA: Former Mohun Bagan coach Subrata Bhattacharya was manhandled and slapped by angry supporters of his former club after his team United S C held the green and maroons to a 1-1 draw in a Calcutta Football League (Premier Division) encounter on Monday.

Miffed at the result which opened up the the league title race and snatched a crucial point from Mohun Bagan, the fans vented their ire post-match at Bhattacharya. When he was leaving the club premises.

He had earlier attended to the injury of Brazilian Jose Ramirez Baretto at the dressing room of the opponents.

The former India stopper back today lodged a complaint at the Lalbazar police station.

Blaming Mohun Bagan officials for instigating fans, Bhattacharya said, "It was the worst experience I ever had in my career. I've identified the persons who attacked me. I've spoken to the commissioner of police and lodged a complaint.

"I've given myself to the club for about 16 years...so despite the incident, I still love my former club. Im still a Mohun Baganite at heart. But I condemn the incident," Bhattacharya said.

Mohun Bagan General Secretary Anjan Mitra, who was away in Santiniketan when the incident took place, said, "It was very sad ... especially when he has given so much to the club. The offenders will be punished."

The club has called an executive committee meeting to discuss the matter.

Former Indian coach Syed Nayeemuddin urged the AIFF to ensure that such things did not happen in the I-League which put Kolkata in poor light.

"Kolkata used to be the mecca of Indian football. However there has been a shift in focus and rowdy behaviour of fans is adding up to this. This should be stopped."

The Dronacharya Awardee, said, "The I-League is coming up and if incidents such as this happens again then Kolkata football might be in trouble. I hope Priyada (AIFF president Priya Ranjan Das Munshi) takes strong action against this when the I-League starts in September."

A former Mohun Bagan player and coach, Nayeemuddin said "I'm proud of Subrata, one of the finest stopper-backs who has contributed immensely not only to the nation, but to the state and his club."

He said fans should realise that it was just a match.

Echoing his views, East Bengal coach Manoranjan Bhattacharjee said, "Its sad to know about this. A coach of such high stature should not be handled like this."
Source : MMD English