Chennaiyin FC became the champions of the 2017-18 Indian Super League (ISL) by beating Bengaluru FC 3-2 in the final on Saturday.
Right after the final whistle, Bengaluru FC custodian and India international Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stated that he felt his side were the actual champions instead. Bengaluru FC had finished the league campaign on top of the standings, eight points ahead of second-placed Chennaiyin FC.
These two teams met in the final after clearing the playoff hurdle but after the loss, Sandhu said in a television interview, "I want to congratulate Chennaiyin FC for winning the final. But I believe we won the league phase and so we are the champions."
Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory did not take too kindly to the comment made by the former Stabaek 'keeper. "I don't respond to that", he replied when told about the Sandhu's comments.
But, he added, "Playoffs were introduced back in the UK more than 20 years ago. You could finish 6th in the league and still get qualified for the playoffs, even though you finished 20 points behind."
"The format of playoffs is brilliant. I was disappointed in the words that he used. I think we got the cup, didn't we?", the former Aston Villa boss commented after becoming the first Englishman to lead an ISL club to glory.
Right after the final whistle, Bengaluru FC custodian and India international Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stated that he felt his side were the actual champions instead. Bengaluru FC had finished the league campaign on top of the standings, eight points ahead of second-placed Chennaiyin FC.
These two teams met in the final after clearing the playoff hurdle but after the loss, Sandhu said in a television interview, "I want to congratulate Chennaiyin FC for winning the final. But I believe we won the league phase and so we are the champions."
Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory did not take too kindly to the comment made by the former Stabaek 'keeper. "I don't respond to that", he replied when told about the Sandhu's comments.
But, he added, "Playoffs were introduced back in the UK more than 20 years ago. You could finish 6th in the league and still get qualified for the playoffs, even though you finished 20 points behind."
"The format of playoffs is brilliant. I was disappointed in the words that he used. I think we got the cup, didn't we?", the former Aston Villa boss commented after becoming the first Englishman to lead an ISL club to glory.