Kolkata : NorthEast United (NUFC) will have to take to the field sans two of their mainstays – star striker Englishman James Keene and Brazilian mid-fielder Guilherme Felipe de Castro – in their final Indian Super League round robin encounter opposite Mumbai City FC.
Keene has been suspended for the next two matches in the aftermath of him being red carded in their previous encounter against the Kerala Blasters FC.
At the 76th minute mark in the game, Michael Chopra – the English striker turning up in Kerala colours this season – tackled Keene. The rough challenge resulted in Chopra being yellow carded, but it was Keene who pushed the former New Castle player and was promptly shown the dreaded red card.
“As a result, it was a breach of All India Football Federation Disciplinary Code for Violent Conduct and Fair Play,” said an ISL statement.
Also suspended for the next match is Castro after he received his fourth caution (yellow card) of the tournament for unsporting behaviour.
NUFC’s next and last league encounter will be against Mumbai City FC Dec 10 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati.