When Bengaluru FC skipper and India legend Sunil Chhetri heard the final whistle at the Yubabharati Krirangan on Sunday, his joy knew no bounds.
Afterall, it was his club's maiden Durand Cup triumph beating Mumbai City 2-1.
But little did he anticipate what awaited him.
During the presentation ceremony, Chhetri who has featured in more than 100 internationals for the country was pushed by West Bengal interim governor La. Ganesan all in a bid to catch the attention of the photographers.
The video that has gone viral clearly highlights the embarrassment that Chhetri had to encounter. However, being the gentleman he is, a dignified smile was all we were a wtiness to.
There has been no response yet from the champions Bengaluru FC or the governor's office, but the incident was widely slammed on various social media platforms.
In the past, there have been plenty of instances of 'renowned personalities' grappling with one another for grabbing attention, but treating a star performer who has done the country proud by a person of Ganesan's stature was uncalled for.
"Disgraceful," wrote former India opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra wrote on his Twitter handle.
"Five seconds that show you everything that's wrong with Indian sport. It seems that they won the Durand Cup, not Sunil Chhetri and Bengaluru FC!," wrote Joy Bhattacharja, a former Kolkata Knight Riders team director.
Sivasakthi Narayanan opened the scoring for Bengaluru early in the first-half but the Islanders drew level through Apuia Ralte ahead of the break.
A magical Chhetri corner then brought up the winner as his delivery floated in with pace for Alan Costa to rise to the occasion and do the needful.
Chhetri has spoken about the importance of Durand Cup in his career.
"Two decades is a bit of a wait, but if it meant doing it in the blue of Bengaluru, then it was worth every season of trying," Chhetri tweeted, posing with the trophy with his wife Sonam.
"Durand Cup Champions - would have been a shame if an Army kid playing football professionally never had the chance to say this. Come on, BFC.
With PTI inputs
