(GNB Desk): Indian Super League team Odisha FC apologized “unreservedly” on Monday, following coach Stuart Baxter’s comments which used an analogy about sexual assault in a complaint about the match referee. The former team coach’s comments came after a closely-fought match with Jamshedpur FC.
The club also issued a public apology after the Englishman suggested one of his players “will have to rape someone or be raped” to get a penalty after beaten 1-0 by Jamshedpur FC on Monday.
“Odisha FC has decided to terminate Head Coach Stuart Baxter’s contract with immediate effect. Interim Coach for the remainder of the season will be announced soon,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday.
Odisha FC lost a tightly-contested match, leaving Baxter displeased by the refereeing. Odisha made a late penalty claim after Diego Mauricio was tripped by TP Rehenesh in the penalty area but it was turned down by the referee.
“You need decisions to go your way, and they didn’t. I don’t know when we are going to get our penalty. One of my players will have to rape someone or get raped himself if he was going to get a penalty…,” Baxter said in the post-match interview.
The club quickly issued a statement apologising for Baxter’s comments, stressing that the 67-year-old’s views do not reflect its values.
Baxter was hired by Odisha last June. He has enjoyed notable success with clubs in Sweden and Japan and started his playing career at Preston.
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