Odisha FC fans abused, spat at during ISL game at Bengaluru

When Jerry Mawihmingthanga found the back of the net in the 50th minute on Wednesday night at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, the comeback was complete for Odisha FC.

From being down by two in the 13th minute, the visitors has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to post an improbable 3-2 victory over the hosts Bengaluru FC.

But what should have been a joyous evening for Odisha FC fans turned into a harrowing experience marred by hostility directed towards them by the home fans.

Bottles and stones hurled

When the final whistle blew, scores of Odisha FC fans were visibly thrilled. But very quickly, their celebratory cheer was overshadowed by abuse and threats, hurled at them from sections of the home supporters.

Bhojaraj, an Odisha FC fan, who was at the stadium and witnessed the incidents firsthand, described how the situation escalated from targeted abuse during the game to outright aggression after the final whistle.

“We were happily watching the match,” Bhojaraj said to The Bridge.

“But midway through the game, a few Bengaluru FC fans from the upper stand kept spitting on us. We ignored it at first, but it continued.”

The situation worsened during the post-match celebrations when Odisha FC fans gathered to cheer for their team.

“While celebrating with the team after the match, those guys started throwing bottles, glass, and even stones from above,” he recalled. 

Unprovoked confrontation

According to Bhojaraj, there were no arguments or clashes that could have provoked such hostility.

“There wasn’t any kind of heated argument with them—just some friendly banter like ‘4-2, 3-2,’ he said, referring to the score line.

Things, however, took a dangerous turn when the Odisha fans began exiting the stadium.

“While leaving, 4-5 Bengaluru FC fans came up to us, accusing us of saying things to them during the match. I told them no such words were exchanged, but they demanded apologies. To diffuse the situation, I told them sorry, even though we hadn’t done anything. Then one of them wanted an apology from everyone, so I told my mates to just say sorry and leave as soon as possible.”

However, despite issuing an unwarranted apology, the locals' aggression did not stop.

“While one of our own was saying sorry, one of the guys suddenly spit on his face. It was humiliating,” Bhojaraj recounted.

Away fans threatened

At some stage, the altercation drew the attention of an individual with an Indian Super League (ISL) ID card, who intervened and asked the Odisha fans to go back inside the stadium. But that move was not going to dissuade the marauding locals.

“The Bengaluru FC fans were waiting outside the stadium for us, threatening us,” said Bhojaraj.

Thankfully, stadium security stepped in to escort the Odisha fans to safety.

“The in-stadia security came and helped us leave through another gate. But even while we were leaving in an auto, bottles were thrown at us by those fans. The auto driver had to help us get out of the area,” he said.

The lack of adequate security near the away stand has raised serious concerns.

“Why was there no police in the away stand?” Bhojaraj questioned. “The stadium security guards were like dead bodies in security uniforms.”

Football marred by violence

The night should have been about Odisha FC’s remarkable comeback. However, the unfortunate incident has now sparked a conversation about fan behavior and safety at football games in the country.

Traveling fans play a crucial role in creating a vibrant atmosphere but incidents like these could well deter them from supporting their teams in away games.

The ISL and Bengaluru FC are yet to release a statement addressing the events but Bhojaraj and the aggrieved Odisha fans hope for accountability and stricter security measures. 

Odisha FC, meanwhile, has condemned the incident and vowed to take formal action.

In an official statement, the club called the incident 'unfortunate.'

“The Club has taken note of the unfortunate incidents involving our fans during the #BFCOFC game tonight in Bengaluru. The club strongly condemns any form of violence and will be formally addressing the matter with the Indian Super League (ISL) and Bengaluru FC.”

Raj Athwal, president of Odisha FC, expressed concern over the incident.

“There’s no place for such behaviour in football. I hope the fans affected made their way home safely.”

For Odisha FC, the victory marked the end of a four-match winless streak but for their fans, it was a night marred by an experience they are unlike to forget in a hurry.

Odisha FC will host NorthEast United FC on February 3, while Bengaluru FC will travel to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant on January 27.