GUWAHATI: The recent football match between NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) and East Bengal Football Club at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has come under scrutiny due to allegations of racial abuse and aggressive behaviour directed towards NEUFC fans. While the chanting of fans is a common occurrence in sports events, what transpired off the field has raised concerns within the Indian football community, prompting discussions about the need for intervention and accountability.
The NEUFC fans, who had gathered to support their team, have alleged that they faced racial abuse throughout the course of the match. However, the situation escalated after East Bengal emerged victorious.
Following the conclusion of the game, reports indicate that objects like stones and shoes were thrown at the NEUFC supporters. A more alarming development was reported when some individuals attempted to breach the area designated for NEUFC fans, a zone supervised by the Indian Army.
The escalating hostility compelled the army to escort the NEUFC supporters out of the stadium for their safety. This move was particularly crucial as there were also female supporters among them.
The incidents have provoked a passionate conversation among football enthusiasts about the fine line between passionate cheering and aggressive behaviour. The concerned NEUFC fans questioned whether such incidents should be celebrated as a part of the sport's legacy or condemned as instances of aggression.
They called upon the larger Indian football community and the governing bodies, particularly the All India Football Federation, to address these issues. Expressing their concern for the safety of fellow fans, the NEUFC supporters stressed that if this trend of aggression and racial abuse continues unchecked, it may eventually lead to catastrophic consequences, tarnishing the reputation of the beautiful game.
