“I apologize for Saturday´s Pokhara incident,” said Ojha at a press conference.
Ojha reportedly had a drunken brawl with former skipper and goalkeeping teammate Bikash Malla a hotel in Pokhara where the players were staying after their series win against Bhutan in a two-match friendly series. [break]
Ojha, said that he regretted his act and wanted to apologize with “senior dai´ (Malla). “I apologize to all Nepalis, football fans, All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), my club (Three Star), coaches and especially Bikash Dai and will not repeat such action in future.”
Meanwhile, another debutant Shiva Shrestha, who also had a drunken argument with teammate Jagjeet Shrestha, made a written apology through a letter to the media.
Shiva Shrestha, who is currently in Butwal, apologized with teammate Jagjeet, the national team, coaches and fans. The statement reads, “I exchanged heated arguments with Jagjeet after a slight misunderstanding and want to apologize for the incident.” He also promised to maintain his discipline in the future and remain committed to football.
Ojha said he already has held several rounds of conversation with Malla on Sunday and had apologized with him personally. “Bikash dai has forgiven me,” said Ojha.
“You are like my younger brother and I don´t want to ruin your career but you should not repeat such acts in future,” Ojha quoted Malla as saying.
He said that his family is also disappointed with him as he was thrown out of the national team following the incident.
The duo was suspended by ANFA from the closed camp on Monday after primary investigation into the Pokhara incident. However, the final decision is yet to be taken.
“The action taken against us was natural after the incident. We made mistakes and we are paying the price now,” said Ojha.
Ojha almost broke down when he was questioned about his suspension. “Now I don´t feel I will be asked to join the national squad for Challenge Cup. But I wish the team a victory,” Ojha said, adding that that he has taken the incident as a good lesson.
Ojha, however said that he would contest in Budhasubba Gold Cup from his club Three Star.
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