09 June,2009 01:28 PM IST | | PTI
In a dramatic development, Mohun Bagan suspended its captain Bhaichung Bhutia for six months from playing for the club, citing "violation of rules and regulations", which also virtually rules him out of joining any other club.
Bhutia had sought a release from Mohun Bagan after his commitment was questioned by the club in a showcause notice served on him on May 15.
Dismissing his request, the club in its executive committee meeting suspended the iconic Indian footballer from playing for the club for six months.
"In a unanimous decision, we at our executive committee decided to suspend Bhutia for six months. During this time, he cannot play for Mohun Bagan," senior executive committee member Subrata Mukherjee told reporters.
In his acerbic best, Mukherjee added, "Despite being the captain, he has been defying rules and regulation of the club for a long time and thus breaching his contract. He has been irresponsible not only for practices but in international matches as well.
"In the interest of football, we have taken this decision and set a precedent that he is just like anybody else. Bhaichung may be a great player in India but he is not an institution. Mohun Bagan, being a very old national club, we have taken this decision."
