Wed Jan 01 08:04:00 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Coach Blames Refereeing for Semifinal Loss, Files Complaint
**Hyderabad, January 1, 2025:** Kerala’s football team head coach, B.B. Thomas, has strongly criticized the refereeing in their semi-final match, citing a controversial red card for defender M. Manoj as a key factor in their loss. Thomas stated that the red card, issued for a perceived delay in taking a free kick near the end of the game, was unwarranted and unfairly hampered his team’s performance. He described the decision as “unnecessary” and detrimental to Manoj’s efforts.
The Kerala team has lodged a formal complaint with the All India Football Federation regarding the red card. Coach Thomas indicated that even a potential final victory would not have prevented them from protesting the substandard officiating.
First Piper 