Manilal Fernando, chairman of the Management Committee Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) yesterday dismissed newspaper reports quoting Indian Football Association secretary Subrata Dutta, that the image of Sri Lankan football had taken a severe beating following Renown SC’s humiliating defeats in the ongoing IAF Shield.

"He is trying to save himself," Fernando said.

Renown SC conceded nine goals against Mohun Bagan while managing to lose 1-10 against Myanmar Finance & Revenue FC which had prompted the Indian to hit back at those who let him down.

"The Lankans’ deficiency in basics was ruthlessly exposed by Mohun Bagan, they took a hammering at the hands of the Myanmarese for poor strategy and planning," Calcutta Telegraph reported Dutta as saying.

"I can’t comment right now without knowing the true scenario. Even the best teams have their worse days. It may be one of those," Fernando added.

According to the news report Renown SC had fielded a junior side in spite of their assurance to bring in four national players and three foreign players.

"I asked the team management to take the best outfit with three foreigners and four national players. But I really do not know what had happened," Fernando claimed.

Renown SC was the defending Sharp FA cup champions.