Odisha FC midfielder Cole Alexander has broken silence on the sacking of Stuart Baxter as he wished him well for the future.
Baxter was relieved of his duties at the Indian Super League side on Tuesday in the aftermath of his controversial post-match statements following a 1-0 defeat to Jamshedpur.
In reference to a questionable referring decision, he claimed his players would need to be 'raped' or rape someone in order to win a penalty which sparked widespread outrage.
"You need decisions to go your way and they didn't," he told Star Sports. "I don't know when we're going to get 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."
The club subsequently sent out a media statement saying they were 'appalled' by the comments before the termination of his contract was announced hours later.
And Alexander, who was signed by the former Bafana Bafana coach in the off-season after becoming a free agent due to the sale of the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, took to his official Instagram account to thank Baxter for his influence.
Having coached the South Africa international during their time at SuperSport United, the 31-year-old started with a quote suggesting Baxter 'changed his life'.
"A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life. Thank you for everything that you've done for me. It was such a privilege working with you again," he wrote.
"Your character, leadership and teachings both on and off the field will stick with me for years to come. Wishing you and the fam all the best for the future, thank you sensei."
Alexander has scored two goals and registered one assist in 12 games in the Indian top-flight this season.
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