Mumbai: A headbutt is defined as an aggressive approach with the top of the head into the face or body of another person. It came to prominence in the FIFA World Cup final between France and Italy in 2006, when Zinedine Zidane had a crack at Marco Materazzi, and was sent off.
Though it lacked power, but Atletico De Kolkata (ATK) forward Baljit Sahni intentionally hit FC Goa’s Gregory Arnolin on his face during their Indian Super League (ISL) match on Wednesday. Was it required at a stage when ATK was leading 1-0?
IM Vijayan, former India footballer who was also associated with ISL in the inaugural season as a regional commentator, criticised the footballer for the act.
“It was unnecessary, the headbutt incident was uncalled for. I saw the match and ATK, even without their marquee player Helder Postiga, were leading, not a good gesture from Baljit. He clearly lacked discipline. When a foul has already been appealed, why do you need to do such a thing?” questioned the veteran.
As a consequence of the episode, Baljit has been suspended for the next two matches and fined Rs 5 lakh for breaching the All India Football Federation Disciplinary Code (Article 58) of Offensive Behaviour.
While there were murmurs about the nature of the punishment (the lumpsum amount), Vijayan said it is justified as it will teach him a lesson.
“Of course, it calls for a fine. This way, he will be thinking twice before losing his cool on the football field,” added the 46-year-old.
The footballers, owing to the ISL, are being paid good amount of money which many were not exposed to in the past.
“This is not boxing, this is football. ATK is known to be a disciplined team, a good team. They have a gentleman owner in Sourav Ganguly and they should ensure the brand value is maintained. This should not be repeated,” asserted Vijayan.
Baljit was also booked in the season opener against Chennaiyin FC and was taken off by the manager in the second half.
