ISL 2017: Chennaiyin FC fans slam stadium authorities after not being allowed to carry banners
Chennaiyin FC have one of the most dedicated fan bases in the ISL (Image courtesy: ISL)
What's the story?
Chennaiyin FC played their first match of the Indian Super League Season 4 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Sunday and started the season with a 3-2 defeat to FC Goa, which was a huge blow for the side and their fans.
Their supporters had more reasons to complain as they were not allowed to bring banners into the stadium by the authorities. Fans later stated that they had prepared in grand fashion for their team's first home game but were not allowed to take them in, something which is usually allowed in other stadiums.
In case you didn't know
With the south Indian rivalry starting this ISL 2017 season between the Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, each fan group is coming out with different ways to support their team. However, in this incident, the Chennai fans were barred from taking banners etc.
The heart of the matter
The Kerala Blasters fan group came out to their side's first home game against ATK with huge flags and banners. Bengaluru FC fans turned out with blue-colour smoke flares and big banners for the west stands of the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for the match against Mumbai City FC. Also, NorthEast United FC fans turned out at the Indira Gandhi Stadium with drums and banners against Jamshedpur FC.
The Chennai fans where not allowed to take any kind of flags, drums or flares into the stadium by the security staff at the stadium and had to go into the stadium empty handed due to tight security measures.
What's next?
It remains to be seen how the Chennaiyin FC authorities respond to this situation and whether they allow their fans to carry banners into the stadium.
Author's take
With various fans group trying to bring a new footballing culture to the country, the management should certainly allow fans to use flags banners and drums in the stadium.
Also read: ISL 2017: Bengaluru FC fans allegedly taunt Kerala Blasters supporters with chant