ISL 2017: 5 racism controversies that rocked Indian football

Allegations of racism reared their ugly head once again after a Chennaiyin FC fan harrassed a supporter of NorthEast United during the two teams' ISL 2017 match in Chennai On Thursday. The video went viral on social media and evoked quick responses from both clubs as it later turned out that the fan was indeed drunk and it was an incident of eve-teasing.

There were allegations of racism as well, with many fans on social media accusing the Chennai fans of racially abusing the NEUFC supports.

We take a look at five instances in Indian football where the ugly issue of racism became the centre of the debate!

#1 Mohun Bagan fans allegedly racially abuse Yusif Yakubu

Mumbai FC played Mohun Bagan at the Kalyani Stadium in the suburbs of Kolkata in the 2013 I-League, where the Mariners defeated the away side 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.

After the match, Mumbai FC talisman Yusif Yakubu made serious claims of being abused 'racially' by Mohun Bagan fans during play and also after the match.

"It's beyond me why the fans were abusing me. There were all kinds of slangs and abusive language, some of which I can't even mention. This is racism," Yakubu had said at the time.

When asked whether he would lodge an official complaint, Yakubu said, "Why should I? It won't be of any help. Even if Mohun Bagan are penalised, they will still somehow find a way out."