Kolkata: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has suspended Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Pal after the tragic death of Dempo striker Cristiano Junior while the young goalkeeper claimed innocence saying he had no intention to hurt the Brazilian.

In a faxed message to the Indian Football Association (IFA), AIFF said it has suspended Pal with immediate effect from yesterday (Dec 7, 2004), IFA secretary Subrata Dutta today said.

AIFF has also asked the player to explain his on-field behaviour during the December 5 final of the Federation Cup before December 20, he told reporters.

Stating that IFA has already forwarded the letter to Pal's club, Dutta said, "AIFF's disciplinary committee will hold a meeting after getting Pal's explanation along with the reports of the referee and the match commissioner. Then a decision will be taken on the matter."

Meanwhile, Pal who returned to the city along with his team-mates late last night, claimed innocence saying, "I never intended to hurt him, but only went for the ball".

"I'm also feeling terribly shocked after his death", he said but questioned the logic behind his suspension. "What crime have I committed so as to face such punishment?"

"If the AIFF punishes me, then no goalkeeper will have the courage to go for a 50:50 ball," the Bagan goalie said.

His club, however, asked the Federation to clarify the reason of imposing the suspension on the player, pointing out that Pal was never booked or warned by the referee S M Balu during the match in Bangalore.

Club assistant secretary Balaram Chowdhury said, "We will send AIFF's letter to the goalkeeper, but only after receiving the Federation's reply to our query."