Trevor James Morgan

Calcutta/New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday served a show cause notice on East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan for unlawfully entering the pitch and charging towards a rival player during his team’s I-League derby against Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.

East Bengal defender Uga Okpara and Mohun Bagan striker Asim Biswas were also served show cause notices for their conduct in the ill-tempered tie and all three have been asked to send their replies latest by Saturday. The AIFF, after receiving the replies, is likely to take the matter to the I-League disciplinary committee.

Morgan will not be allowed to sit in the technical area in the next match against ONGC at Kohlapur on Saturday. The East Bengal coach was guilty of charging towards Ashim Biswas after the Mohun Bagan striker stomped on red and gold midfielder Mehtab Hossain.

Morgan later apologised to the referee and said he was sorry for his conduct. When contacted by The Telegraph the East Bengal coach refused to comment.

“It was a moment of madness. In a football match these things happen. It was an intense match and I just lost my cool,” he had said on Sunday.

In the other two cases, while Okpara has been asked to explain his comments in a television interview where he accused the referee (Pratap Singh) of accepting bribes from Mohun Bagan, Ashim was show caused for his intention to harm an opposition player.

“As per the report of the referee and match commissioner Rakesh Bakshi, the Mohun Bagan player’s violent conduct came without any provocation,” Sunando Dhar, chief executive officer (CEO) of the I-League, said.

“In Okpara’s case, we are in possession of the video which clearly shows the footballer making highly questionable remarks against the referee,” Dhar said. “This is in gross violation of the rules and projects the entire system in a poor light,” he added.

The AIFF seems to have taken a very serious view of Okpara’s behaviour and he could be banned for more than one match for his irresponsible remarks. Morgan and Biswas, however, could escape with one match suspension.

The East Bengal club officials refused to comment. “We have got anything from the AIFF yet. Let us get a copy and we will act after that,” a senior club official said.