Elano arrested by Goa police after alleged assault on FC Goa owner, released on bail

THE CELEBRATION OF WINNING their maiden ISL title turned sour for Chennaiyin FC when their marquee player, Elano Blumer, was arrested and subsequently released on bail, on charges of assaulting and abusing FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar.

Elano, who was booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), 504 (intentional insult with intent to cause breach of peace) late Sunday night, was arrested post midnight, police said.

It is alleged that the incident took place after the match in the mixed zone of the Fatorda Stadium. Elano reportedly elbowed Mr Salgaocar in the face following an exchange of words.

Elano's lawyer Rajeev Gomes, however, claimed that

"the case was false and that it had damaged the reputation of Goa and FC Goa".

"This episode will send ripples of terror among foreign players. The defeat should have been taken sportingly by the team owners, just as the fans of FC Goa have," Gomes told IANS.

The entire FC Goa team boycotted the ISL prize distribution ceremony in protest. There was considerable delay before the organizers decided to go ahead with the presentation of the trophy to champions Chennaiyin FC without any member of the runners up team being present on the pitch.