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AIFF Rescinds Mayakkannan's Red Card, Boosts NEUFC Ahead of Delhi Clash

The AIFF Disciplinary Committee has overturned the red card given to NorthEast United FC's Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan. This makes the defender available for selection in the team's upcoming Indian Super League fixture against SC Delhi. The red card was issued during a match where Odisha FC secured a 4-1 victory, aided by a brace from Rahul KP. NorthEast United will welcome Mayakkannan's return as they seek to improve their league position.

Key Points: AIFF Overturns Mayakkannan Red Card for NEUFC vs SC Delhi

  • Red card rescinded after review
  • Defender eligible for SC Delhi match
  • Decision follows 4-1 loss to Odisha FC
  • Boosts 8th-placed NEUFC's squad
2 min read

ISL 2025-26: Relief for Northeast United as AIFF rescinds Mayakkannan's red card ahead of SC Delhi clash

AIFF disciplinary committee rescinds Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan's red card, making him available for NorthEast United's crucial ISL match against SC Delhi.

"The Red Card issued to NorthEast United FC midfielder Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan... has been officially rescinded. - ISL Statement"

New Delhi, April 1

The Disciplinary Committee of the All India Football Federation has rescinded the red card issued to Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan of NorthEast United FC during their Indian Super League 2025-26 clash against Odisha FC, making the defender available for selection in their upcoming fixture against SC Delhi on April 10.

The decision comes following a review of the incident that saw Mayakkannan sent off in the first half of NorthEast United's 1-4 defeat at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on March 20.

"The Red Card issued to NorthEast United FC midfielder Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan (#13) during the match against Odisha FC has been officially rescinded by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee. As a result, the player is now eligible for selection in the Highlanders' upcoming fixture against SC Delhi on April 10, 2026," ISL wrote in a statement released on X.

Speaking of the match, Odisha FC registered a commanding win, powered by a brace from Rahul KP. The visitors took an early lead in the sixth minute when Rahul capitalised on a defensive lapse, finishing calmly after pressure from Rahim Ali forced an error from goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.

NorthEast responded swiftly, with Parthib Gogoi setting up Macarton Nickson for a composed equaliser in the 10th minute. However, Odisha regained control midway through the first half when debutant Subham Bhattacharya scored from a set-piece situation to make it 2-1.

The turning point came in the 36th minute when Mayakkannan was shown a red card for a challenge on Rahul KP, reducing the Highlanders to 10 men. Odisha capitalised on the numerical advantage after the break, with Rahul adding his second goal in the 65th minute following a swift counterattack.

The Juggernauts extended their lead further just minutes later when an attacking move involving Isak Vanlalruatfela resulted in an own goal by Bekey Oram, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

Despite late attempts from NorthEast United, including efforts from Thoi Singh and Asheer Akhtar, the hosts were unable to reduce the deficit.

With the red card now officially overturned, NorthEast United will be boosted by Mayakkannan's availability as they prepare for their next ISL outing. The club is currently placed at the 8th position in the points table with just six points in six matches played so far in the ISL 2025-26.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Finally some good refereeing decisions are being reviewed properly. Too often in ISL, one wrong card changes the entire game. NEUFC was already struggling, playing with 10 men made it impossible. Hope they put up a better fight next match.
A
Arjun K
Good decision, but the damage is already done. They lost that match 4-1. The league needs to implement better in-game review systems like VAR to prevent these errors in the first place. Better late than never, I suppose.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's encouraging to see the disciplinary committee act fairly. The integrity of the competition is important. NorthEast United at 8th need every point they can get. This could be a turning point in their season.
V
Vikram M
The real issue is the consistency. Will the ref who made that poor call face any consequences? We need higher standards for officiating if Indian football is to grow. Happy for Mayakkannan though, he's a hardworking player.
K
Kriti O
This is a relief! The team's defense looks shaky without him. Hope they can now focus on the Delhi game and get three points. The fans in Guwahati deserve a good performance after that heavy defeat. #Highlanders

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