Chennaiyin FC fans accuse Chennai Police of mistreatment

The incident is alleged to have happened following the Marina Machans' win over FC Goa on Saturday night.

Saturday night's ISL playoff game between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa saw the hosts coming on top against the Gaurs in a goal-feast. While the match was filled by memorable action on pitch, a certain off the field incident including the policemen on duty and the Supermachans - the fans of Chennaiyin FC marred the night.

Khel Now exclusively spoke to one of the members of the Chennaiyin FC fans regarding the issue, who chose to remain anonymous. “What happened yesterday was, normally we stand near the team bus after each and every game and we send the team off and we leave after the team leaves. We were doing the same Saturday as well and some of our guys had banners but the police did not allow us anywhere near the team bus,” the source recalled.

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“So some of the guys were standing near the gate since they were not allowed near the team bus and were waiting for others to join others near the gate because the banners were heavy and they were doing absolutely nothing and then some of these cops came and they started misbehaving with them. The guys were standing near the gate inside the stadium and they wanted them out," the source further added.

“Our guy didn't leave the banners because you can't keep as it is then the police started to drag them out and also started manhandling him since the banner was inside. They told us they’ll bring the banner out but it didn’t happen. So one of our guys who was standing beside the banner was threatened to leave by the police and the police said - we’re speaking with you decently please leave. Our guy repeated the same words and requested them to allow them to take the banner but as soon as he said that the police dragged him into a corner and started beating him for no reason. They even accused us of being drunk.”

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“When the other set of fans were clicking selfies with the players the police came from behind and started dragging them one by one even though we had permission from the club. Both of these things were happening at the same time.”

Khel Now contacted the Chennai Police for a statement, to which they said they were not aware of the issue.

Several similar incidents including the police and the football fans have taken place in the country in recent times. During India's FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh last year, there were reports of the police mistreating the fans and locking few of them behind bars for some time.