Kerala Blasters FC rubbished allegations that the club instructed the police to stop the fans from protesting outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
A section of the Blasters fans, led by the fan group Manjappada, had planned a protest outside the stadium ahead of the match against Odisha FC.
Due to the security concerns & strict instructions raised from City Police, the Rally gathering point have been changed from East Gallery Gate to Stadium Box Office
— Manjappada (@kbfc_manjappada) January 13, 2025
Starting Point: Stadium Box Office
Starting Time: 5:30 PM#UnitedForBetterBlasters #Manjappada #KBFC #ISL pic.twitter.com/kAGWS4vPJp
“... the Club would like to strongly reinforce the fact that it has no power to instruct the State’s Police force on their understanding and acting in certain situations to maintain law and order. The club also 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 which is handled by much more competent and independent authorities,” Kerala Blasters said in a statement.
No more silence, no more control. Fans demand respect! ✊#UnitedForBetterBlasters #Manjappada #ISL #KBFC #Blasters pic.twitter.com/XPHjDwebVs
— Manjappada (@kbfc_manjappada) January 13, 2025
The supporters have been agitating against the Hyderabad-based management for the team's poor performance in the ongoing season of the Indian Super League, and also for not buying quality Indian players.
In a bid to placate the fans, Kerala Blasters fired coach Mikael Stahre and also announced a Fan Advisory Board. But the supporters were far from satisfied, and have continued with their protests.
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“The club firmly believes in the right of fans to express their opinions peacefully, without restrictions and has never suppressed the same in safe zones which do not infringe on the experience and safety in public spaces. 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 Club shall investigate, probe and take appropriate action against those maligning its image with such accusations.”
The club recently announced the signing of Montenegrin defensive midfielder Dušan Lagator. The 30-year-old has signed a contract with the club till May 2026. Lagator has played nearly 300 matches for various clubs across Europe. Lagator has also represented the Montenegro national team at the Under-19, Under-21, and senior levels.
Blasters are currently eight on the 13-team table, with six wins in 16 matches.
