Kerala Blasters and Manjapada: Protests, police and a fractured bond

The ongoing season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been a challenging one for Kerala Blasters FC, both on and off the pitch.

While the team’s underwhelming performances have led to the mid-season sacking of their coach, the situation has been exacerbated by growing discontent among their loyal fan base, Manjapada.

Protest turn ugly

The latest flashpoint occurred during Kerala Blasters’ home game against Odisha FC on January 13.

Although the match ended in a thrilling come-from-behind victory for the Blasters, the on-field success was quickly overshadowed by events off of it.

Manjapada, known for their passionate support, had organized a rally outside the stadium to voice their dissatisfaction with the club’s management.

They cited the team’s poor performance and overall mismanagement as the core issues. However, police intervention disrupted the planned protest.

Initially, the authorities directed the fans to move the rally to another location.

Later, as fans prepared to protest peacefully, the police reportedly threatened arrests, forcing the Manjapada to abandon the rally.

Inside the stadium, the fans shifted their protest to the stands with chants like “Magnum Sports out” and “Management out.”

This demonstration, however, also faced interference, with reports of the club’s internal security team and police attempting to suppress the chants.

A post-match video, initially shared by the official ISL account, further sparked controversy.

The video captured Kerala Blasters players walking towards the Manjapada section for the traditional 'Viking clap' celebration but retreating after hearing the protests against the management.

The video was later deleted, fueling speculation and online debate.

Club and fan responses

In response to the controversy, Kerala Blasters FC issued a detailed statement, distancing itself from the actions of the police and emphasizing its lack of control over law enforcement decisions.

The club clarified that it had no involvement in directing the police and stated that the interventions were based on the authorities’ own judgments to maintain law and order.

“The Club places on record that the police intervention was not instructed by the club, as we are not a part of the law and order mechanism… The narrative being widely spread in the public domain regarding the Club instructing the police forces to carry out certain actions is wrong, misleading, and baseless,” the statement read.

However, the statement has drawn sharp criticism from fans.

In a widely circulated comment, a fan questioned the club’s role towards actions taken by their security team.

“If the club claims no involvement in instructing the police, then who directed your internal security team to disrupt the peaceful fan protest during the home match against Mohammedan SC? Who instructed them to confiscate the protest banners and mosaics displayed on the stands?” wrote a fan.

The fan went on to demand clarity on the issue, accusing the club of deflecting responsibility.

“The fans deserve clarity, not vague denials. If the club genuinely believes in the right to peaceful expression, why were the very voices that support and uplift this team silenced in your home ground?”

The fan's comment has since gone viral, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among the club’s loyal supporters.

The club, while pledging to ensure fan rights and safety, has yet to address these specific allegations regarding its internal security team.

Fans now await further clarification, with many questioning whether the club will take meaningful action or simply dismiss the criticism as unfounded.

A tense season

The rift between the club and its fans highlights a deeper issue within Kerala Blasters, a team that, despite a massive fan following, has struggled to achieve success in its 11-year history.

With no major trophies and frequent bottom-table finishes, the frustration among fans is understandable.

The Manjapada, often referred to as the heart of the club, has been instrumental in creating a vibrant football culture in Kerala.

Their unwavering support has often been a source of inspiration for the team. However, the recent events suggest a growing disconnect between the management and the fan base.

As the season progresses, Kerala Blasters FC faces the dual challenge of turning their on-field performances around and rebuilding trust with their supporters.

For a club that prides itself on its passionate fan base, this is a moment of reckoning—a chance to listen, address concerns, and reaffirm its commitment to the fans who have stood by it through thick and thin.