Ronaldo Augusto Antonio Oliveira smashed in a first time volley in the dying moments of the game as FC Bengaluru United clinched a 3-2 win over Bengaluru FC in an entertaining BDFA Super Division game that was marred by a clash between referees and BFC officials after the final hooter.
At the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday, Robert Primus broke the deadlock for FCBU when he nodded in a corner. BFC leveled in the 58th minute following a composed finish from Shivasakthi but FCBU went in front again, once more from a corner, when Daniel Clive Carr nodded the ball home.
BFC then created a few chances and had three penalty shouts denied by the referee Suresh Devraj before they equalised in the third minute of injury time, thanks to a diving header from Damaitphang Lyngdoh.
But there was still more drama as with virtually the last kick of the game, Oliveira smashed home an outstanding winner to win it for FCBU, who are now in the driver seat for the title.
It was after the final whistle that melee ensued and BFC defender Harpreet Singh was shown a red card.
A tournament official said that Singh exchanged words with Devraj and was red-carded for abusive language, following which the player got physical. The referee also reacted to the incident and a few fans and officials intervened and took Devraj into referees' room.
Despite this, one BFC official entered the room and allegedly got into a
physical altercation with a referee, it was informed. One unidentified man also threw a tile through the window of the referees' room, shattering the glass.
The police was duly called and that the referees were escorted to their houses under police protection. The Karnataka State Football Association and Bangalore District Football Association officials also confirmed that they were waiting for the referee's report and depending on that, action would be taken against the club officials or referees.
The victory for FCBU means that they lead the table with 28 points from 11 games and face FC Deccan in their final league clash on Friday.
For BFC, who were hoping to wrap up the title on the day, the defeat means not only do they need a positive result against Kickstart FC, but also need other results to go their way.
Results: Bangalore Dream United FC 2 (Dorjee 52nd, Joacob John Katto Karen 54th) bt Income Tax 1 (Amal 17th pen); FC Bengaluru United 3 (Robert Primus 17th, Daniel Olive Carr 75th, Ronaldo Oliveira 90+5) bt BFC 2 (Shivasakthi N 58th, Damailphang Lngdoh 90+3)
Today's fixtures: Kickstart FC vs ASC & Center FC (1:30 pm), Young Challengers FC vs MEG & Center FC (3:30 pm).