ISL 2016: Two youths held in Kochi for illegally selling tickets
Ever since its inception, the Indian Super League or the ISL, has been attracting a large number of spectators due to its unique mixture of entertainment and football. IMG Reliance, the governing body has ensured that the lucrative contracts attract the biggest stars from the bygone eras.
Ranging from Florent Malouda and Del Piero playing for the franchises to the likes of Zico and Zambrotta coaching them, the ISL has been the perfect amalgamation of stars, status and the beautiful game. However, people have taken advantage of the attraction and interest of the ISL, as a result of which many illegal activities have taken place.
Also Read: Atletico de Kolkata - A tale of wrong tactics
One such instance was bought to the forefront recently, when Palarivottam police arrested two individuals for selling ISL tickets in black. Kerala Blasters are one of the ISL's most heavily supported teams, and their fans flock in numbers to watch their home matches at the Kaloor International Stadium.
Also Read: Two youths held in Kochi for illegally selling tickets
According to the law enforcers, Shibil Rahman (18) of Pang Chendi in Malappuram and Sajeer (30) of Aluva were nabbed while they were selling complimentary tickets issued by the Kerala Football Association.
This is not the first time that ISL tickets have been reported to be sold on the black market. Over the past two seasons, many black tickets have been allegedly sold for high prices, especially in the North East India where the craze for the game is immense. Even this year, many feared that the delay in letting the general public avail the tickets for the opening day would lead to them being sold by shady businessmen in Guwahati who thrive on such crisis.
In another such instance, many fans in Goa sold their tickets in black during the second leg of the Atletico de Kolkata versus FC Goa semifinal in the first season of the ISL. Poor planning on the part of the organizers and carelessness by the stationed police forces have further aggravated this issue. Black ticket sales deeply hurt not only the franchises but also everyone involved in the sport, be it the footballers or the ground staff or even the stadium committee.
One hopes that swift justice is meted out to these wrongdoers and they are punished with an exemplary sentence so that they can be made an example of.