India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been suspended by his club for six months for a violation of club regulations. Calcutta side Mohun Bagan announced Bhutia's suspension late Monday, after dismissing his request for a release from the club, Press Trust of India reported. Bhutia's rift with the club management reportedly started when the star player missed a friendly match and team training to take part in a television celebrity dance competition. Mohun Bagan last month sent a notice asking the striker to explain his absence from training sessions. Bhutia, 32, ignored the notice and released a public statement saying the club had questioned his commitment. He then sought a release. “Our executive committee has decided to suspend Bhutia for six months. We are not satisfied with Bhutia, who chose to ignore the show cause notice,” Mohun Bagan executive committee member Subrata Mukherjee said. Now Bhutia can appeal to the All India Football Federation.
