Methidrang United FC (MUFC) from Trashigang defeated Youngsters FC from Mongar by 4-1 goals to book a place at the semi-finals of the on-going Chancellor’s Cup in Kanglung yesterday.

The match was tense, as the two former rivals took on each other in the fourth and final quarterfinals of the tournament.

More than the game, spectators flocked to the artificial turf at Sherubtse College to witness the brawl that was expected to happen between the teams.

In an equally contested match, both the teams failed to break the deadlock despite a series of potential attempts. In the 32nd minute, MUFC’s winger, Duptho Rinchen, found the back of the net after a displaced Youngster goalie.

Minutes before the first half whistle, a tackle from one of the Youngster defenders ignited the inevitable brawl. The game came to a halt as match officials tried to ease the tension.

The game resumed while verbal comments against team Youngsters continued to shower from the audience. It was during the break that a group from the audience came on the field with sticks to fight the team from Mongar.

Match officials succeeded to stop the brawl with support from college students.

MUFC’s second goal came in the 70th minute from winger Pema Chogyal. Duptho Rinchen scored his second goal of the game six minutes later.

Youngster’s skipper Dawa Gyeltshen got a consolation goal for his team in the 85th minute. However, MUFC’s striker Ngawang Tashi sealed the deal for the team by netting his first goal in the final three added minute.

Match officials said that such display from audience and players could hamper the conduct of future tournaments. “If there are personal grievances, they should be kept away from the pitch,” said one of the match officials.

One of the players from Youngsters said that the commotion from the brawl distracted the players. “Had the game progressed normally, the results could have been different,” he said. “We didn’t want the game to end like this. This is unfortunate.”

Meanwhile, Sherubtse FC, Penchhas FC, Rangjung CS and MUFC have qualified for the semifinals.

The finals will be played on June 9.

Younten Tshedup | Kanglung

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