ISL 2017: NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham issues statement after alleged racism incident against fan
What's the story?
During Thursday's ISL 2017 match between NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC, a shameful incident occurred in the stands as a female NorthEast United fan was allegedly racially abused and eve-teased by a Chennaiyin FC supporters.
To this end, NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham has responded to the incident in a strong statement. "It's deeply disturbing to me when sports becomes an unsafe or unharmonious place for anyone," he said.
In case you didn't know
A Twitter user managed to take a video of the incident during the match. Meanwhile, Chenaiyin FC won the game comfortably with a score of 3-0.
The heart of the matter
NEUFC affirmed that they were fully supporting their fans and will not tolerate such brazen behaviour. Abraham said that he was deeply disturbed by the incident and that he had taken many positives from the game of football while playing with different people. Abraham even promised to meet the victimised fan personally to make sure if she was alright.
He even hit out at the 'fake fans' who indulged in this behaviour. The actor continued saying that neither he nor Abhishek Bachchan (Chennaiyin FC owner) would condone such behaviour. He then promised to find the culprits and make sure that they are duly punished.
Chennaiyin FC have also responded to the incident and stated that they are looking into the matter. They condemned the act and have promised to take strong action against the offenders.
What's next?
As both clubs have responded, it remains to be seen when the culprits will be caught and brought to justice.
Sportskeeda's take
As we have reaffirmed time and again, we condemn any act of racism or eve teasing towards anyone. It was a truly shameful incident and the offenders should be strictly punished.