Kerala Blasters refute claims of directing police action against protesting fans

The Tuskers have clinched three wins after interim coach Purushothaman took over the reins.

Kerala Blasters, the iconic club from “God’s Own Country,” renowned for its massive and passionate fan base, find itself in a challenging position this season. Currently placed 8th in the Indian Super League standings, the club have struggled to live up to the expectations of its loyal supporters. A poor start to the campaign led to the sacking of head coach Mikael Stahre, signalling a period of transition.

Known for their vociferous support, the Blasters’ fans have taken to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction, demanding better squad quality and a renewed commitment to success from the management. The fans’ protests, which reflect their deep emotional investment in the club, took a controversial turn recently. Reports emerged of authorities intervening to suppress peaceful demonstrations, with some protestors reportedly facing action from the police.

This incident has further strained relations between the fanbase and the management, as many supporters believe the club failed to back them during the ordeal. The situation has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of fans and their right to voice concerns, creating a volatile atmosphere around the Kerala Blasters’ ecosystem.

In response, the club took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue an official statement addressing the matter and clarifying its position. The statement came in light of allegations suggesting the club’s involvement in the police action against protesting fans, who had been voicing their discontent over the management and team performances this season. The club categorically refuted those claims, emphasizing that they had no role in directing or influencing the actions of law enforcement agencies.

CLUB STATEMENTKerala Blasters FC would like to comment on the recent events involving fan protests outside the stadium and chanting being interrupted by the police.At the outset, the Club would like to strongly reinforce the fact that it has no power to instruct the State’s… pic.twitter.com/LjirkL6tXy

— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) January 16, 2025

The statement clarified that the club, as a footballing entity, does not possess the authority to instruct or interfere with the actions of the Kerala state police. It further highlighted that maintaining law and order is the sole responsibility of competent and independent authorities like the state police, who act in accordance with established protocols. The club also elaborated that the police are tasked with ensuring public safety at both public gatherings and ticketed events, and any action taken is within their jurisdiction to prevent potential disruptions or untoward incidents.

Kerala Blasters firmly distanced itself from the decisions made by law enforcement, reiterating that they are not part of the law and order mechanism. The club also took the opportunity to underline its respect for the fans and their right to peaceful expression. Kerala Blasters stated that they value constructive feedback from supporters and are always open to engaging with their suggestions to improve the club’s operations and performance.

They reaffirmed their belief in the fans’ integral role in the club’s identity and success, while also urging everyone to ensure that their methods of protest remain peaceful and respectful. By doing so, the club hoped to address concerns among the fanbase and reassure them of its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive relationship. Additionally, the club issued a stern warning against the spread of misleading or baseless allegations aimed at tarnishing its reputation.

Kerala Blasters announced their intention to investigate and take appropriate action against individuals or entities propagating such misinformation. They made it clear that any attempt to malign the club’s image with false narratives would not be tolerated. By issuing this detailed statement, Kerala Blasters sought to address the controversy head-on while reaffirming their commitment to the fans and the broader footballing community.

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