"It is a tough punishment as many players cannot play for a moment. Of course, I am unhappy with the ban. But I also know one has to play according to the rules laid down," he told reporters here.
Mohun Bagan were a goal down against bitter rivals East Bengal on December 9 derby when a stone hurled from one of the stands, apparently aimed at the referee, hit the club's midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi.
The match resumed after a brief stoppage towards the end of the first half, but Mohun Bagan refused to take the field after the interval as India international Nabi was taken to the hospital and treated for a fractured right jaw.
Asked about the chances of the national team in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, especially when they are drawn alongside Myanmar, Guam and Chinese Taipei, Koevermans said India should aim to win the tournament.
"That's what we did in Nehru Cup. Everybody said wow. All the teams were above India in FIFA ranking, but in the end we did excel. That says something about the strength and mentality of our players. We want to win the first game against Palestine and next win AFC Challenge Cup," he said.
Asked how does he monitor Sunil Chhetri who has signed up with Sporting Lisbon, Koevermans said he was in touch with the star footballer who plays four times a week with good players that helps him to improve his game.
"We monitor all other players too. We want to know how things are going with them," he added. MORE