India head coach Stimac banned for 2 games, fined USD 500 for red card offence in Kuwait game
Bengaluru, Jun 30: India head coach Igor Stimac was on Friday handed a two-match ban for his red-card offence after he argued with the match officials during the home side's 1-1 draw against Kuwait in their last group match of the SAFF Championships football here.
Stimac was also fined USD 500 as the SAFF Disciplinary Committee deemed it a fit case for suspending him for more than one match.
He was also handed a red card against Pakistan in India's campaign opener on June 21 but in that case the matter was not referred to the SAFF Disciplinary Committee as the offence was deemed "less serious" and he had to sit out of the subsequent match against Nepal on June 24.
But in this case relating to the red card in the Kuwait game on June 27, the matter reached the SAFF Disciplinary Committee which imposed a more severe punishment on the experienced Croatian coach and 1998 Wold Cup bronze medallist.
"He (Stimac) has been handed two-match ban and also fined USD 500 (Rs 41,000)," SAFF General Secretary General Anwarul Haq told PTI on Friday.
"Unlike the first instance (against Pakistan), the matter reached the SAFF Disciplinary Committee as it was a graver offence. He (Stimac) also used abusive language against the math officials while he was going off the field (after being shown red card)."
In the tense match against Kuwait, Stimac engaged in an animated argument with the match officials and was eventually flashed a red card in the 81st minute.
In any case, Stimac was to sit out of India's semifinal match against Lebanon on Saturday as one match ban was automatic but now he will not be in the dug out if the home team reaches the final. Assistant coach Mahesh Gawli will have to take his place.
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8 killed in mishap at firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh
Visakhapatnam, Apr 13 (PTI): Eight people, including two women, were killed and seven others injured in a fire accident at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident.
“Eight people including two women died and seven others were injured in the fire accident,” Home Minister V Anitha told PTI.
The injured are being shifted to hospitals here, she said adding details are awaited.
The CM directed Anitha and district officials to ensure better medical care to the injured, an official release said.
A major #explosion at a fireworks unit in Kailasa Patnam, Kotavuratla mandal, leaves 5 dead and 7 seriously injured. Injured workers shifted to hospital. Further details awaited. @NewIndianXpress#AndhraPradesh #Anakapalle pic.twitter.com/IxrScC6AkG
— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) April 13, 2025
