Indian club sacks former South Africa coach for “unacceptable” comment

Indian Super League side Odisha have sacked English head coach Stuart Baxter after he made “completely unacceptable” comments in a post-match interview.

The 67-year-old made reference to rape as he criticised refereeing decisions following his side’s 1-0 defeat by Jamshedpur.

Baxter previously managed the South Africa and Finland national sides as well as England’s Under-19s.

Odisha said they had terminated his contract with immediate effect. In a statement, the club said it was “appalled” by Baxter’s comments.

“It is completely unacceptable whatever the context and does not reflect the values of the club. We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologise and the club management will handle this matter internally.” the club said.

Baxter said he thought his players would have to “get raped” to be awarded penalties. Odisha owner Rohan Sharma said he was “absolutely disgusted and infuriated”.

A former midfielder, Baxter had spells at Preston, Morecambe and Stockport County before spending the rest of his playing career abroad.

After resigning as South Africa boss for a second time in 2019, having previously led them from 2004-2005, he was named Odisha manager last June, signing a two-year deal.

Odisha are bottom of the Indian Super League.

Source – BBC Sports