Governor WB criticized for ‘pushing’ Sunil Chhetri during presentation ceremony | Football news

KOLKATA: Two months in his office as Governor of West Bengal, La Ganesan received national criticism for pushing Indian football talisman Sunil Chhetricto be clicked during the Durand Cup pricing here.
The 38-year-old Indian captain added an elusive Durand Cup title to his illustrious career as he led Bengaluru FC to their first crown in Asia’s oldest football tournament after a hard-fought 2-1 win over their Indian Super League rivals Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.
But the award ceremony turned controversial when Chhetri was pushed by Ganesan as the trophy was handed over to the player in the presence of state sports minister Aroop Biswas.
Realizing that he is not in the “picture frame”, Ganesan pushed Chettri and the player obliged.
There has been no response from champions Bengaluru FC or the governor’s office yet, but the incident was widely reported on various social media platforms.
“Outrageous,” former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra wrote on his Twitter handle.

“Five seconds showing you everything that is wrong with Indian sport. Looks like they won the Durand Cup, not Sunil Chhetri and Bengaluru FC!” wrote Joy Bhattacharja, a former Kolkata Knight Riders team director.

Sivasakthi Narayanan opened the score for Bengaluru early in the first half, but the Islanders got through right away Apuia Ralte before the break.
A magical Chhetri corner then brought out the winner as his delivery quickly came in for Alan Costa to seize the opportunity and do the necessary.
Chhetri has spoken about the importance of the Durand Cup in his career.
“Two decades is a bit of a wait, but if it meant doing it in Bengaluru blue then every season was worth a try,” tweeted Chhetri, posing with the trophy with his wife Sonam.
“Durand Cup Champions – it would have been a shame if an army kid who plays professional football never had a chance to say this. Come on, BFC.”