Tensions rise as Jamshedpur FC coach denied pitch inspection ahead of ISL 2024-25 semifinal against Mohun Bagan

Jamshedpur FC are just a goal ahead of Mohun Bagan in the semifinal clash.

The fan fiasco in the JRD Tata Sports Complex has now morphed into a different dimension with tensions escalating off the pitch. Ahead of Jamshedpur FC‘s vital semi-final clash against ISL Shield Winners, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, reports of coach Khalid Jamil being denied to inspect the pitch have sent shockwaves.

According to multiple reports, Jamshedpur FC coach Khalid Jamil, alongside player VS Sreekuttan met with utmost hostility in the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan during the pre-match press conference in Matchday minus one.

Reports also suggested that the team was denied entry by the security officials which was further endorsed by people in the stadium.

Pre-match training cut short amidst threat

Jamshedpur FC’s pre-match training rituals were cut short to just one hour as individuals were seen holding metal pipes. This resentment negatively impacts the psychological and mental state of players as they stand at the cusp of making history tonight against the Mariners.

This comes after a fan fiasco that took place in the JRD Tata Sports Complex saw violence against the travelling fans by police personnel in Jamshedpur. Mohun Bagan Super Giant also issued a public statement condemning the acts of violence against their fans.

In response, Jamshedpur FC also filed a complaint to AIFF and FSDL against the travelling fans for derogatory behaviour in the away stands. Such high-octane matches are prone to tension and a dopamine rush, but football serves as the means to unite and there’s no place for violence in football.

Will Khalid overcome the Mariner’s challenge in Eze’s absence?

Amidst a hostile reception in Kolkata, Khalid Jamil will be tasked with the responsibility of holding his defences tightly in the absence of their prime Nigerian centre-back Stephen Eze and right-back Ashutosh Mehta.

Lazar Cirkovic might be seen leading the defence alongside Pratik Chowdhury tonight. Mohun Bagan, last season were under the same circumstances when they faced off against Odisha FC in the ISL Semi Finals. Not only did they reduce the deficit in the home leg, but they also managed to win the match within 90 minutes to storm their way into the finals.

So, Khalid Jamil would require more than a miracle and his tactical brilliance to secure a clean sheet against Bagan tonight and create history by becoming the first Indian coach to make it to the ISL Finals.

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