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Dudu Omagbemi lashes out on East Bengal fans, says he has nothing to prove in India

Published at :April 16, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM
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(Courtesy : Super Cup Media)

Punit Tripathi


The veteran striker took to social media with all of his complaints.

Heartbroken and equally disappointed Dudu Omagbemi lashed out at the East Bengal fans stating that he was racially abused by them during the quarterfinal clash against Aizawl FC in the inaugural Super Cup in Bhubaneshwar.

The veteran was seen with an attempt to tear off the Red and Gold jersey out of sheer frustration when he got substituted in the 85th min of the match after being unable to net a few easy chances. Following the incident, the Nigerian came live on social media and spoke about the atrocities that he has to face while playing for a Kolkata side, especially East Bengal.

“I have seen fans supporting their team no matter what. When a team wins everyone wins and when a team lose every member of the team loses, but here in East Bengal individual players are being targeted each time. I have faced a lot of criticism before, but the last game we played against Aizawl was beyond my imagination,” said Dudu.

MacPherlin Dudu Omagbemi widely known as Dudu started his career here in India in 2001 when he made his debut for Sporting Club de Goa. Since then, he has never looked back. The Nigerian had played for several National League (NFL) and I-league sides before dawning the East Bengal jersey for the first time in 2014-15. The goal machine scored nine goals in 18 matches which was seen as an return performance and he was released by the club as his side failed to win the league yet again despite having big names on the roaster.

The fuss had already started when Dudu was called up again by East Bengal officials to play in the latest season as they showed the door to Willis Plaza after his abysmal performances for the Red and Gold throughout his stay at the club.

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“From the time I set my foot here the problems started. How many players in the ISL scored more goals than me? Are you criticizing them? No, because they are from Europe. Just because I’m an African, I am being said things that I am not supposed to be said on social media,” blasted Dudu.

The 32-year-old Nigerian was criticised on numerous issues by a portion of East Bengal fans which got worse after the quarterfinal clash against last year’s league champions Aizawl, as a fallout of that there was rumour that the star striker might choose to opt out of the semi-final against FC Goa on 16th April.

When asked about the same he said, “I have nothing against the team, I am travelling with the team. Now, it is up to the coaches to select me or not to select me.”

The Nigerian also spoke about his perspective on the two leagues (I-League and ISL). He said, “The only difference between the I-League and the ISL is that you get better treatment and hospitality from the management in the ISL and that is the reason why many players are bending towards it.”

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Although the former Chennayin FC forward is aware of the fact that not all the fans are creating the mess. He lamented that the true fans always stand by the players during the thick and thin and not just criticize them.

Moreover, East Bengal need Omagbemi’s services in the semi-final against FC Goa as this could be the last chance for the Red and Gold to bag a trophy in this topsy-turvy season.

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