Indian Super League side Odisha FC has apologised for certain tasteless comments made by head coach Stuart Baxter in a post-match interview when he said that his players need to “rape or get raped” to win a penalty.

“You need decisions to go your way and we needed a penalty. I think one of my players would have to rape someone or get raped himself if he was going to get a penalty,” Baxter had said.

Odisha FC said they are “appalled” by the offensive comments made Baxter after a refereeing decision during the game against Jamshedpur FC on Monday did not go in the team’s favour. A penalty claim was turned down by the referee when forward Diego Mauricio was brought down inside the box by the Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper Rehenesh T.P.

Jamshedpur FC won the ISL match 1-0. Odisha FC are currently at the bottom of the points table after winning just one of their 14 matches so far.

“The Club is appalled at the comments made by Head Coach, Stuart Baxter during the post-match interview today. It is completely unacceptable whatever the context and does not reflect the values of the club.” Read the statement issued by Odisha FC that was posted on their official Twitter account.

“We, at Odisha FC, unreservedly apologize and the club management will handle this matter internally,” the club said in another tweet.

Odisha FC owner Rohan Sharma also condemned the incident.

“I am absolutely disgusted and infuriated by the comments.  I've said Odisha FC is a safe space for all, and to make light of a serious awful crime in such an offhanded way is reprehensible. I sincerely apologize to everyone on my behalf and the clubs,” he tweeted.

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