ATK Mohan Bagan defender Sandesh Jhingan is being criticised for a sexist comment he made after his club’s 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday. In a video shared on the football club’s Instagram, “Aurato ke saath match khel aaya hoon, aurato ke saath" (I have played a match with women).
The video triggered social media outrage, and football fans called out Jhingan for the ‘shameful’ comment. Though the Kolkata-based club deleted the video from its official page, it is doing the rounds on social media.
Jhingan also took to his Twitter handle to post an apology, in which he said: “When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective.” He also added that the comment was not intended towards Kerala Blasters football club. “First things first. The comment was not intended towards Kerala Blasters FC. I have always respected every opponent, and I have a lot of friends at the club. I’d never disrespect the club especially when I have given my blood and sweat for them.”
When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective.
— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) February 20, 2022
What you hear is an argument I had with my teammate after the game. What I said was a result of the disappointment for not winning the game. I told my teammate not to make excuses, so anyone taking my comment differently is only doing it to tarnish my name.
— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) February 20, 2022
Jhingan, who is also the vice-captain of the Indian football team, said he is a huge supporter of the women’s team and has always been respectful towards women. “Those who know me personally will tell you that I have always been a huge supporter of Indian women’s team and women in general. Don’t forget that I have a mother, my sisters and my wife, and I’ve always been respectful towards women,” he said.
He concluded with an apology: “If my comments have hurt anyone, my apologies. It was never intended to create any harm to anyone. Have a good day."
