Midnight drama unfolds after pulsating ISL final

Chennaiyin FC’s Elano detained at Police Station; flies for Brazil post bail

The victory celebrations of newly-crowned Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC turned sour as their marquee player Brazilian Elano Blummer was arrested by Goa Police on Sunday night for allegedly assaulting FC Goa co-owner Dattaraj Salgaocar.

The Brazilian was later released on bail by Additional Sessions Judge Vinscent Silva, who also allowed him to leave the country.

The trouble broke out during the team’s post-match celebrations when Elano allegedly assaulted Salgaoncar in the presence of FC Goa team members and the other co-owner Srinivas Dempo after Chennaiyin's victory.

The entire team along with the officials of Reliance Sports, were present at the police station while the bail formalities were being carried out.

"Elano left this morning by the 5 am flight for his country," Elano’s advocate Rajiv Gomes told PTI.

The Chennaiyin captain was booked under sections 341 (wrongful restrain), 323 (causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace).

Dempo told PTI on Sunday night that Elano who was making fun of the team was asked to leave but elbowed Salgaoncar before exiting the place.

"Salgaoncar formally lodged a complaint with us and we have placed Elano under arrest," Margao Police Inspector C L Patil said at midnight.

Advocate Gomes said Salgaoncar refused to get himself medically checked though the complaint was of an assault.

"The complaint looks frivolous as Salgaocar did not get himself medically checked. This instance is going to be bad for image of FC Goa and also international players will fear to play in the state if such complaints are lodged against them," Gomes added.

Chennaiyin FC beat FC Goa 3-2 in a high-octane final to win the second edition of Indian Super League.