Mohun Bagan sack coach

Kolkata football giants Mohun Bagan terminated the services of controversial coach Subrata Bhattacharjee on Tuesday, accusing him of engaging in activities detrimental to the interests of the game.

Announcing the club's decision, general secretary Anjan Mitra alleged that Bhattacharjee had instigated some players on Monday against wearing the Bagan jersey in the team's last two National Football League outings, as their dues are pending.

"At a time when the game is going through tough times in India, such activities by a coach is against the interests of soccer," Mitra told newspersons in Kolkata.

Mitra said on receiving reports that Bhattacharjee was instigating the players, he made inquiries.

"After satisfying myself that Bhattacharjee was playing dirty games, I decided to sack him. The letter has been sent," he said.

Arjuna awardee Bhattacharjee, who had a 17-year stint with Bagan as player, coached the club to two NFL titles, including one last year. But he got embroiled in a series of controversies and the club recently decided to slap a show-cause notice on him for making 'objectionable' comments against an official.

Mitra said the club executive committee would decide on the show-cause notice on Wednesday.

He further indicated that steps may be taken against Bhattacharjee continuning as a member of the club.

He said the two assistant coaches -- Bidesh Bose and Shyamal Banerjee -- would be in charge of the team for the remaining NFL matches.

PTI