Fans of Kerala Blasters FC erupted in anger on social media after two controversial referee decisions led to their team’s 2-1 loss to Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday. Supporters were particularly upset over two handball incidents, both of which seemed to go against the Blasters, with the second one leading to a penalty for Hyderabad.

The first contentious moment came in the first half when Adrian Luna’s cross into the penalty box was cleared by Hyderabad’s Alex Saji. However, replays clearly showed that Saji’s left hand played a crucial role in the clearance inside the box. Despite the evidence, the referee chose not to award a penalty to Kerala, which sparked widespread outrage among Blasters fans.

The second flashpoint occurred in the 68th minute when the referee awarded a penalty to Hyderabad after a handball review involving Kerala’s Hormipam. Replays suggested that the ball had not hit Hormipam’s arm, but the referee maintained his decision. The controversial call was met with protests from Kerala Blasters players, but the penalty stood, and Hyderabad FC went on to take the lead.

Fans voiced their frustration online, with many accusing the referees of inconsistency, especially considering the earlier handball incident that seemed more clear-cut but was overlooked. The decision further added to the Blasters' woes in what was already a disappointing night, with the loss extending their streak of three consecutive defeats.

Hyderabad FC stuns Kerala Blasters

Andrei Alba’s brace helped Hyderabad FC to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Kerala Blasters FC in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season on Thursday, leaving the hosts reeling after their third consecutive loss.

Kerala Blasters started the match in positive fashion, taking an early lead in the 13th minute. The goal came from a superb counter-attack, initiated by the lively 17-year-old Korou Singh, who became the youngest player in ISL history to record an assist. Singh lost his marker with a brilliant turn and delivered a low cross to Jesus Jimenez, who slotted home to give Kerala a 1-0 lead. 

The Blasters, buoyed by the early breakthrough, looked the better side in the opening exchanges. Jimenez almost doubled the lead shortly after, linking up with Adrian Luna for a strike that found the net, only to be ruled offside.

However, Kerala’s momentum was checked when winger Mohammed Aimen, who had been a constant threat in the opening stages, had to leave the field due to injury. The loss of Aimen's pace on the wing shifted the balance of the game.

Hyderabad FC seized their chance just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Chhunga Hmar made a darting run down the left flank before playing Parag Shrivas in space. The fullback outpaced Kerala's Ruivah Hormipam and squared the ball to an unmarked Andrei Alba, who hammered it past Blasters goalkeeper Som Kumar to level the score at 1-1.

The second half saw both teams making substitutions to inject fresh legs into their attacks. Kerala coach Mikael Stahre introduced Noah Sadaoui, while Hyderabad’s Thangboi Singto turned to Edmilson Correia, who nearly made an immediate impact when he was denied by a fine save from Som Kumar.

Despite Kerala maintaining the lion’s share of possession, Hyderabad struck decisively in the 70th minute, against the run of play. A counter-attack saw the referee award a penalty after a handball by Kerala’s Hormipam. Replays suggested the ball had not touched the defender’s arm, but the referee stuck with his decision. Alba calmly converted from the spot to complete his brace and put Hyderabad FC ahead 2-1.

With the scoreline tilted in Hyderabad’s favor, Kerala Blasters pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Hyderabad's defense held firm. In the closing stages, the Blasters were unable to carve out any clear-cut chances, and Hyderabad secured a vital three points.

The loss leaves Kerala Blasters with three consecutive defeats, a worrying trend as they prepare for their next match against Chennaiyin FC on November 24, after the international break. Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, recorded their second win of the season and will look to build on this momentum when they face Odisha FC at home on November 25.