A fan ending up in hospital is the worst outcome possible in a sports event. And that’s what happened last night in Jamshedpur. Also, it isn’t the first time. There are instances when things have crossed the line in the past and yet no correctives have been taken.
My colleague, Rahul Giri, who was covering the game, tells me that after the match had ended 2-1 in favour of Jamshedpur, the supporters heaped abuse on MBSG fans. There were constant racism chants, and they were abused as Bengalis. Nothing was done to stop things from escalating.
This is what scares me. It is rare that football grounds in India see sellout crowds. MBSG is the biggest draw card, and fans are the lifeblood of the sport. The least they deserve is respect. To be abused and beaten up is the worst outcome and the strongest condemnation of this cowardly act is needed.
In Jamshedpur, there is no buffer zone between the home and away team’s fans, and it is always a possibility that things get out of hand. That’s what happened when the banter went out of hand. MBSG flags were attacked and when supporters tried protecting the flag, physical abuse started. It continued post-match when continuous abuse was heaped on them.
This is where security should have stepped in. Preempted things from getting out of control. Made sure that the stadium wasn’t disgraced. AIFF and FSDL need to take notice and have a firm word with the home team on how this can be controlled. If there is footage available, these rogue fans need to be identified and stopped from entering the arena for at least five years.
Sport is competitive, yes, but not divisive. Positive tribalism, yes, but not something that ends up in violence. It was a dark day for Indian football that we had to witness these scenes. I hope sense prevails and things get sorted out soon. And anyone who did this to another fan isn’t really a fan. He or she is a disgrace and has nothing to do with sport. Such rogues aren’t relevant to football and need to be kept away and stopped from polluting the arena.
My appeal to MBSG fans is that on 7 April, they should set an example and not take this ahead. We need the best club to set the bar. Not fall prey to provocation and continue this violence. We want fans to embrace the sport and not be scared to make it to stadiums across the country. Hope a lesson is learnt and forever.
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