PIA held by Navy in thrilling encounter

Football league affected by law and order situation in Karachi.

KARACHI:

PIA drew against Pakistan Navy 1-1 in the Pakistan Premier Football League  match in Karachi while Baloch FC and PMC Athletico also bagged one point each after a goal-less draw in Quetta.

The nine-time national champions faced an early setback as the referee awarded a penalty for a foul in the 16th minute. As a result, Navy’s Mohammad Ramzan netted the first goal while the opponents came back strongly as Shakir Lashari scored the equaliser in the 40th minute.

Law and order situation disrupts schedule

Pakistan Army refused to play their fourth match of the tournament against NBP due to the law and order situation near the KPT football stadium in Karachi, where they could hear the sound of gunshots from the adjacent areas of the venue. Consequently, NBP were announced winners after Army refused to take the field.

According to the match commissioner Abdul Shakoor, the team had a practice session before the start of the match but requested the officials to concede the game after hearing the gunshots.

“It wasn’t that bad if you ask me,” Shakoor told The Express Tribune. “The situation near the People’s Stadium where PIA and Navy played was much worse.

“The venue was safe. However, I have sent a report to the Pakistan Football Federation officials who will handle the case.”







Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2011.