Odisha FC have sacked their manager Stuart Baxter with immediate effect after his distasteful comments in the aftermath of a 1-0 loss against Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League on Monday. The club added that an interim coach would be announced soon in a statement.
Odisha FC has decided to terminate Head Coach, Stuart Baxter's contract with immediate effect.
The interim coach for the remainder of the season will be announced soon.#OdishaFC pic.twitter.com/FcrMPCDn5h
- Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) February 2, 2021
The club had apologised for their manager's comments in the post-match interview earlier. The comments came after Odisha's late claim for a penalty was rejected by the referee. Speaking to the broadcasters after the match, Baxter said 'one of my players would have to rape or get raped in the box to get a penalty'.
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The team's owner Rohan Sharma clarified in a tweet that Baxter was sacked for his vile post-match comments and the team's poor form was not a factor in his sacking.
Lavanya I can personally say the sacking was only related to the vile post match comments. The form of the team didn't factor into this decision. https://t.co/UFp43YkmOx
- Rohan (@MrRohanSharma) February 2, 2021
The club released a statement soon after the match, saying, "The Club is appalled at the comments made by Head Coach, Stuart Baxter during the post-match interview today. It is completely unacceptable whatever the context and does not reflect the values of the club. We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologize and the club management will handle this matter internally."
The Club is appalled at the comments made by Head Coach, Stuart Baxter during the post-match interview today. It is completely unacceptable whatever the context and does not reflect the values of the club.
Continued... pic.twitter.com/Egkzi5EU9H
- Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) February 1, 2021
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Odisha are currently bottom of the points table after winning just one of their 14 matches so far and take on ATK Mohun Bagan in their next match on Saturday.