Sandesh Jhingan: Indian international and ATK Mohun Bagan defender Sandesh Jhingan faced a lot of heat on social media from fans from his sexist remarks after ATK Mohun Bagan secured a last gasp point against Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.
It was a fierce battle between two evenly matches sides and the Blasters despite leading the game could not close the game out. ATK Mohun Bagan’s Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko scored a long ranger right at stoppage time to salvage a point from the crucial fixture.
There were a lot of heated instances in the game as substitute Prabir Das got sent off for an altercation with Kerala Blasters star Adrian Luna. The ATK Mohun Bagan players were fuming with the decision made by the match official.
After Kauko scored the goals, the Green and Maroon dugout erupted in celebration. During that instance, there was once again an altercation with ATK Mohun Bagan assistant coach Bastab Roy and Kerala Blasters forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz. Both, Bastab Roy and Diaz were shown a red card as a result.
It was a very high intensity match with some stunning goals but what caught the attention of the fans was a remark made by Sandesh Jhingan after the final whistle.
After yesterday's match between ATKMB and KBFC, Sandesh Jhingan was allegedly heard saying "aurato ke saath match khela hai, aurato ke saath" (We played with women, with women) in a video uploaded on ATKMB's instagram page.
This is shameful, if true. pic.twitter.com/UkjPzBN8v5
— VOIF (@VoiceofIndianF1) February 20, 2022
An Instagram story on ATK Mohun Bagan page caught the experienced defender saying, “Aurato ke saath match khel aaya hoon, aurato ke saath” (I have played a match with women, with women). While he walked out of the pitch.
The Indian football fans have been quick to call him out on social media for his sexist remarks. Jhingan also promptly came up with an apology on Twitter.
“When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective,” he wrote.
“First things first. The comment was not intended towards Kerala Blasters FC. I have always respected every opponent, and I have a lot of friends at the club. I’d never disrespect the club especially when I have given my blood and sweat for them.
When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective.
— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) February 20, 2022
“Those who know me personally will tell you that I have always been a huge supporter of Indian women’s team and women in general. Don’t forget that I have a mother, my sisters and my wife, and I’ve always been respectful towards women.
“What you hear is an argument I had with my teammate after the game. What I said was a result of the disappointment for not winning the game. I told my teammate not to make excuses, so anyone taking my comment differently is only doing it to tarnish my name.
“If my comments have hurt anyone, my apologies. It was never intended to create any harm to anyone. Have a good day.”
Despite the apology, fans all over social media have condemned the action of Jhingan. Kerala Blasters fans came up with a collective outrage against the ATK Mohun Bagan defender. The hashtag #BringBack21 trended on Twitter as the Kerala Blasters fans urged the club to bring back the jersey number 21 which was retired to honour Sandesh Jhingan who left the club two years ago. Jhingan was with the Blasters since the first season and grew up through the ranks at the club. But his latest actions also saw the Kerala Blasters fan group, Manjapadda burn a huge Jhingan tifo which they created back in 2018.
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