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Controversy in KSL: Fans turn rogue as match between Malappuram FC and Forca Kochi abandoned

Fans and club officials alike are outraged as poor handling by match officials led to the abrupt abandonment of the Kerala Super League game between Malappuram FC and Forca Kochi.

Controversy in KSL: Fans turn rogue as match between Malappuram FC and Forca Kochi abandoned
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KSL match abandoned (Photo credit: KSL)

By

Aswathy Santhosh

Updated: 11 Oct 2024 5:49 AM GMT

Chaos erupted yesterday as the Kerala Super League match between Malappuram FC and Forca Kochi was abandoned due to unplayable weather conditions, leaving fans from both sides frustrated and angry.

Supporters who travelled long distances, including from Kochi and the outskirts of Malappuram, were left bitterly disappointed when the game was called off, with some even resorting to vandalising the ticket counters in protest today.

The league authorities later announced that the points would be shared between both teams, sparking further outrage from fans and club officials alike.

Wilbur Lasrado, Head of Football Operations at Malappuram FC, stated that there was mismanagement of the match. “Today having arrived fully prepared for the match against Forca Kochi FC, with our players ready to begin their warm-up, we were suddenly summoned by match commissioner Mr. Ashraf KP for an urgent meeting with both teams, head coaches, technical staff, and league authorities to assess the pitch conditions,” Lasrado said.

“Following this evaluation, Mr. Ashraf made the final decision to call off the match, citing unplayable weather conditions. Having faced an abrupt cancellation. We were informed of the decision and began changing into their travel attire. However, just 20 minutes later, the commissioner returned and reversed his decision, stating the game would proceed. This erratic and unprofessional handling of the situation is simply unacceptable’” the indecision by match officials, Lasrado continued, led to significant confusion for both teams and fans.

“This erratic and unprofessional handling of the situation is unacceptable. It not only impacted the mental preparation of our players but also caused unnecessary frustration for our loyal supporters, who were left in the dark about the decision,” he said.

The team is calling for strict action against the officials responsible for the mishandling of the situation and those who fail to uphold the standards required of a professional competition. citing their failure to follow proper protocol.

According to Rules 3.6.1 and 3.6.2 of the Kerala Super League, specific procedures for match abandonment were not adhered to, which contributed to the chaos.

Kerala Super League was supposed to reschedule the abandoned match, in line with Section 3.6, Subsection 3.6.1 (c), which stipulates that an abandoned match should be replayed at the earliest possible date.

“We have officially lodged a formal complaint with the Super League Kerala and the Kerala Football Association regarding this matter and are awaiting their response,” Lasrado stated.

Fans were equally vocal in their criticism, with some taking to social media to express their anger over the league’s decision to share points between the two teams without rescheduling the match.

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