New Delhi: FC Goa manager Zico wants to understand why the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has issued him a notice. The Brazilian was peeved at the notice issued against him after Goa's home match against Atletico de Kolkata last week.
This was Zico's first notice in his stellar coaching career that has now spanned 16 years and seven countries.
According to a report in the Times of India, Zico stated he was angry and shocked after having got the notice for his comments on a referee in the previous game. Zico was pulled up by the AIFF disciplinary committee for his post-match press conference comments against the fourth official after a seven-minute substitution hold-up during FC Goa's home clash against Atletico de Kolkata.
“I got the notice two days ago, while I was preparing the team for Chennaiyin FC. I was shocked. It's a notice for comments about the referee in the previous game which the authorities believe is serious enough to send me a letter,“ Zico said to the Times of India
Further reports claim that in its notice, the AIFF did not specifically refer to the statement which they found offensive.
Zico added that what he said in the press conference is known to all the journalists and that he merely made a suggestion and didn't criticize anyone.
“What I said at the press conference is known to all journalists. I did not criticize or speak against the performance of the referee. I merely made a suggestion,“ said the Brazil legend. “I have always disciplined myself and was never ever been warned by even the fourth official during a match,“ said Zico.
The former Brazil legend also stated to the leading English daily that he respects the rules and he doesn't argue with officials.
“I know and respect the rules. You will never see me arguing with the fourth official, you will never see the need for a fourth official to walk up to me during a game,“ he said.
B Balasubramaniam was the fourth official who was involved in the seven-minute substitution holdup. Balasubramaniam was also the referee for Goa's next home game against Chennaiyin FC, which they lost 0-4 on Sunday.
