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Sri Lankan footballers kicked out of India

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha has ordered the expulsion of two Sri Lankan football teams, who were taking part in training sessions in Chennai.

The Chief Minister slammed the Indian Government for inviting the Sri Lankans, ordering the suspension of a stadium official who allegedly allowed “friendly” matches to take place.

Jayalalitha commented that,

“I have directed the Chief Secretary to place the officer under suspension and take departmental action against him. The Sri Lankan team will not be allowed to play any matches in the State and I have issued orders to send them back to their country.”

"The (Nehru) Stadium Officer has no authority to allow matches there and only the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu is authorised to do so. By using an authority that did not exist, the official had demeaned the sentiments of Tamil people."

"I have also instructed that no competitions must be held for the Sri Lankan team besides directing that they be sent back."

She went on to state,

“The decision of the Indian government had humiliated the people of Tamil Nadu and I condemn the Centre for this.”

See her statement in Tamil here.

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