The recent encounter between Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters at the Kishore Bharati Stadium has been overshadowed by crowd violence. While Kerala Blasters secured a dramatic 2-1 victory, the aftermath has left a bitter taste in the footballing community.
Bottle pelting and aggressive actions from Mohammedan SC supporters towards the away fans have forced Kerala Blasters to file an official complaint with the Indian Super League (ISL).
Fan Violence Mars Exciting Clash
The thrilling match between Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters turned chaotic as Mohammedan fans resorted to unruly behavior. Following Kerala Blasters’ stunning comeback, tensions escalated among the home supporters. In the final moments of the game, spectators began hurling bottles onto the pitch and towards the visiting fans, leading to a five-minute stoppage. Social media was flooded with criticism of the behavior displayed by some sections of the home crowd, tarnishing what should have been a celebration of Indian football.
Chaos in the Stands: Stone Pelting and Firecrackers
The frustrations of the Mohammedan SC faithful only grew as Kerala Blasters overturned a deficit, eventually securing all three points. As the game progressed, the situation in the stands worsened. Stones were thrown, and in a shocking escalation, firecrackers were ignited within the crowd. Such incidents raised serious concerns regarding the safety of not only the fans but also the players and officials present on the pitch.
The unrest led to a temporary suspension of the match, with players escorted off the field to ensure their protection. This episode has raised significant questions about the security measures at the stadium, as the fans’ safety was evidently compromised.
Kerala Blasters Take Action: Complaint Lodged with ISL
In response to the incidents, Kerala Blasters wasted no time in addressing the matter with the relevant authorities. The club has lodged a formal complaint with the Indian Super League, requesting an investigation into the violence. Additionally, they have reached out to local authorities in Kolkata to gain clarity on how such a breach in security occurred.
In their official statement, Kerala Blasters emphasized the importance of fan safety, both at home and during away matches. The club reiterated that such disruptive behavior must be dealt with severely to prevent further damage to the reputation of Indian football and to protect the well-being of fans.
Kerala Blasters’ Official Statement
Kerala Blasters FC voiced their concerns through a public statement, which read:
“Kerala Blasters FC is deeply concerned about reports of aggression faced by our fans during our recent game in Kolkata. We take the well-being and comfort of our supporters very seriously, as they are an integral and key part of the club, both home and away.
We have been in contact with the relevant authorities in Kolkata and the league to fully understand the situation and have taken necessary action. It is every club’s duty to ensure that fans are part of a safe environment while attending games. Such incidents have no place in football and must be curbed for the safety of players, officials, and fans.
Our fans have always stood by us through thick and thin, and we are committed to ensuring that their matchday experience is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. We urge our fans to maintain their exemplary conduct and to continue supporting the team passionately as they always do.”
Growing Concerns Over Fan Conduct in Indian Football
This incident highlights growing concerns over crowd behavior in Indian football, especially during high-stakes matches. Just a day after the Kolkata Derby, the situation at the MDS vs KBFC clash has added to the ongoing debate regarding fan safety. Though fan passion is an integral part of football culture, ensuring that it does not spill over into violence is paramount.
Football governing bodies in India must take this opportunity to address the increasing frequency of such incidents and implement stricter measures. Enforcing tighter security checks and promoting responsible fan behavior could go a long way in preventing future occurrences.
While Kerala Blasters’ victory over Mohammedan SC should have been the headline, the focus has shifted to the alarming crowd violence that took place in the stands. The actions of a few have marred an otherwise thrilling contest, forcing Kerala Blasters to take swift action. With a complaint lodged and an investigation likely to follow, the onus now lies on the authorities to ensure that such incidents are curtailed, safeguarding the integrity of the sport and the safety of its supporters.
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When is Kerala Blasters’ next match?
Kerala Blasters’ next match is on October 25 against Bengaluru FC at home from 7:30 pm (IST) onwards.
