East Bengal FC started their campaign in the 10th ISL with a 0-0 draw against Jamshedpur FC at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday. 

The referring standard in the ISL has been criticized in recent times. On Monday, the poor referring standard was again exposed. The incidents that happened on the pitch on the day proved it again. 

In the 48th minute, Pardo launched a cross inside the box from a free-kick. Pratik cleared as Saul went to attack it but there was a huge handball shout. The referee did not pay the importance but the replay showed that it was indeed a handball. He was lucky to have escaped. If the ISL had VAR, East Bengal would have had a penalty.

Then again in the 96th minute, Emil Benny was first shown a red card for pushing down Saul Crespo but then the referee withdrew the booking and called him back to show him just a yellow. All happened on the pitch. The referee gave the consolation by showing a yellow card to Saul Crespo. This happened in the 96th minute.

This apart, East Bengal created chances, especially after the break. However, the lack of conversion ability turned out the key obstruction. In the 55th minute, East Bengal offered a nice attack but it ended sloppily as Siverio tried to be too cheeky and went for the dummy. In the 69th minute, Nandhakumar made a good run on the right and then set up Saul for the shot. Saul’s first-time punch was a rocket that hit the side netting. 

In the 84th minute Nandhakumar Sekar once again almost broke clear and had a clear run at goal but Barla, defending perfectly, made him lose the ball by putting in a well-timed sliding tackle.