ISL 2021-22: Manolo Marquez lashes out at league’s decision to make Hyderabad FC play despite eight Covid cases

Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez was not at all happy after his team was forced to take the field against Jamshedpur FC in the 63rd match of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Tuesday. Hyderabad had eight positive Covid-19 cases in their camp and they had to field a second-string team.

Thus, Hyderabad FC was dominated by Jamshedpur FC throughout the contest as they were beaten by 0-3. In fact, Hyderabad could only take two shots on target. This was earlier scheduled to take place in January but it was postponed after Jamshedpur FC couldn’t field an XI due to positive Covid-19 cases in their camp.

Marquez wrote on his Twitter account, “When you lead the Indian Super League and a match is canceled due to COVID cases in the opponent’s camp, it seems good to me. However, when the situation is the other way around and they force you to play the game with 8 (COVID) positives, seems to me a clear adulteration of the competition. Goodbye to the league shield.”

Meanwhile, when Jamshedpur was unable to take the field against Hyderabad in January, The ISL’s statement then, read: “The decision has been taken in consultation with the League’s medical team taking into account the inability of Jamshedpur FC to field a team.”

Hyderabad FC was without the services of their key players like Bart Ogbeche, defender Juanan, midfielder Joao Victor and first-choice goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani. Thus, Hyderabad couldn’t come up with a collective performance despite the fact that Jamshedpur FC was reduced to 10-man after Mobashir Rahman was sent off in the 68th minute.

As a result, Hyderabad FC was dethroned from the numero uno place in the points table and this loss puts them two points behind Jamshedpur FC, who still have a game in hand as they have played 18 matches.

Hyderabad FC will play their last league stage match against defending champions Mumbai City FC at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday.