Sanjoy Sen thanks fans for 'mask protest', promises repayment by winning the I-League

MOHUN BAGAN head coach Sanjoy Sen was visibly moved after the fans put on a massive show of support for him by wearing 10,000 masks depicting his face at the match against Mumbai FC yesterday.

The Bagan coach, who has been suspended for 8 matches by AIFF due to his "sold out" comment, was present at the stadium but spent most of the game in the police control room watching the match on TV.

After the match, Sen told reporters that he chose to leave the gallery because he was concerned that the excitement caused among fans due to his presence could affect the players' concentration.

But he did not fail to acknowledge the solidarity the fans had offered him. An emotional Sen said,

"I will never forget this gesture from the supporters. I'll try to return the favour to them by winning the I-League again."

Sen did not want to talk about the potential of his suspension sentence being eventually reduced. He said he wanted to concentrate on the upcoming AFC Cup fixture against Yangon United, to be held at Guwahati on Wednesday. He is free to be at the touchline during the game in the continental tournament.