ISL 2017: Bengaluru FC fans unfurl banner in memory of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims
Banners displayed by Bengaluru FC fans ahead of Sunday's match against Delhi Dynamos
What's the story?
The Bengaluru FC fans are known for unfurling huge banners across the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, during the home matches of the clubs. Ahead of the Blues' second ISL 2017 home game against Delhi Dynamos, they unveiled another banner in remembrance of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack victims, reminding one and all of the terrifying incident which took place on the shores of Arabian Sea and shook the city of Mumbai, nine years back.
In case you didn't know...
It was the 26th of November, 2008; the financial capital of India was struck with a disastrous terrorist attack. The Oberoi Trident, The Taj Palace and Towers, Nariman House and the Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus experienced a series of gunshots in which many people lost their lives.
Many were taken as hostages and a long and tedious rescue operation continued for two whole days. Approximately, 166 people lost their lives in the incident along with 9 attackers.
The heart of the matter
The ‘West Block Blues’, the fan club of two-time I-League champions Bengaluru FC, have already made their mark in Indian football; they showed that they even raise their voice for non-football events, as they unfurled a banner, which is approximately 5m in length, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in remembrance of the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks.
The banner read, "26/11, lest we forget."
The fans also lit up their phones to give a moving candle-light tribute the 26/11 victims.
“We are doing this in memory of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai," said Ullas Marar, a member of the West Block Blues to Sportskeeda. "It is not just about the cities. This is something that affected the whole country, and we will like to commemorate."
What's next?
Bengaluru FC made their debut in the ISL this season and made a perfect start to their campaign by outclassing Mumbai City FC 2-0 in the opening tie. With the team looking set, they will look to secure another three points in the upcoming tie against Delhi Dynamos, in front of their vociferous home crowd.
Author's take
Despite all the madness around the beautiful game, we must all remember that it is just a sport, and that there are things that are bigger that football. The terror attacks in Mumbai shook the entire country nine years back, and these are times when people must set aside their differences and stand together to face the menace of terrorism.