Horrendous challenges going unpunished in ISL: Sheringham

Chennai, Dec 6 (IANS) ATK coach Teddy Sheringham on Wednesday came down heavily on the referees not taking stern action against "horrendous" tackles flying around in the Indian Super League (ISL) football games.

"There have been some horrendous challenges. In all the games, not just the games against us. It's not an excuse for not having good results. I think there have been horrendous challenges that have gone unpunished. I think I am very very surprised there has not been more injuries because of some of the challenges that have gone on," Sheringham told media persons on the eve of his team's fourth round game against Chennaiyin FC.

ATK midfield mainstay Eugeneson Lyngdoh picked up a knee injury during the club's round three match against Jamshedpur FC last Friday and was seen limping out of the ground at the stroke of half time.

There are chances that the former Bengaluru FC and India player would be ruled out of the season as the injury is serious.

"If they (the tackles) keep going unpunished, you're going to get more injuries. It's as simple as that. The referees have to be more on the ball about what's happening," Sheringham complained.

The English former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur striker also reiterated his stance on the pitch in Jamshedpur during their last game which finished 0-0.

"Not just that, I think the pitch last week in Jamshedpur was horrendous as well. There has been lottery of some passes...you're passing the ball on the floor and they are bouncing up to over knee height at times and that makes it very hard to put on a show for the paying public," Sheringham added.

The reigning champions are languishing at the foot of the table with just two points from three games.

Sheringham said they played well in the two goalless affairs against Kerala Blasters in the opening fixture and later Jamshedpur, adding if it would have been a boxing match the Kolkata-based side could win on points.

"We have had one goal and that too from a free kick. We need to convert our chances. If two games (0-0) were boxing matches we would have won on points. We have edged games and we have got to score to win games," said the 51-year old Treble winner with United.