Bengaluru FC – Mumbai City FC Racism row: Full story

A Facebook page came up with a post stating MCFC player Emana getting racially abused by BFC fans giving rise to a racism debate on the social media
Racism in football has always existed despite best efforts from the FIFA and other governing bodies, Fans have been often known to cross the line to get under the opposition’s skin sometimes getting ugly with their attempt. On Sunday, a Facebook page accused West Block Blues – the Bengaluru FC fan group of chanting racial remarks during the Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC game against Mumbai player Emana.
The post got immediately shared by various football groups across social media. But fans were quick to question the authenticity of the post as neither Mumbai City Staff nor Players had issued any complaints or shown any kind of dissatisfaction. Instead, Mumbai Coach Guimaraes and star defender Lucian Goian had appreciated the fans stating, “Any player would love to play in this atmosphere.”
https://www.facebook.com/ISLtransfermarket/photos/a.753336354799514.1073741828.736371806495969/1120565751409904/?type=3
However soon after another Facebook post screenshot was shared all over again in which a Bengaluru supporter accepted that the incident occurred but still the entire story was not cleared to everyone.
Apparently, a bunch of new fans chanted “Raggi Mudda” towards Emana after he fouled a BFC player. Raggi Mudda is a popular Karnataka staple food, which are hard and dark in colour. The Chant went on for around 10 seconds and was about to grow but was stopped immediately by the BFC regulars for being inappropriate and that was the end of it.
Another incident involving Amrinder Singh occurred, with the Mumbai custodian receiving some offensive remarks from the new fans, who didn’t know ‘Amrinder was formerly BFC’ for time-wasting early in the game which was once again shot down by other regulars. It should be noted that earlier in the day, Amrinder was given rasping welcome by West Block Blues during the warm-up with ‘No Pajji, No Party’ chants.
Also Read: Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC Player Ratings: How did the players fare
While the abusive chants towards the opposition team has occurred before from West Block Blues, which could be termed as ‘questionable’ action from an outsider’s point of view. The racism chant was something that came unexpectedly even for west block blues regulars.
But the fact is it was not endorsed, a chant that could have taken seconds to fill the whole stadium was immediately shut off for being irrational and inappropriate. This is something to be lauded as the fans showed maturity to not give this kind of behavior any wind. But in the world of Social media, there is very little you can control. The post that blamed the west Block blues got shared all over the internet inviting hate from everyone but the truth is that racism chants was controlled and shut by WBB themselves.
The fact is fans need to grow up, the line between a healthy rivalry and an ugly rivalry is very thin and often fans are known to cross the line in the moment of aggression which should be best avoided. India is not new to racism and has faced a fair share of it abroad but another bitter truth is we are also known to be racists among ourselves and have taken the latter point very lightly. But the beautiful game of football doesn’t need it.
Racism should not be entertained by any means and while there is always a chance of a bad apple present in a whole basket, one should not allow it to spoil others.
-Writer’s Opinion
Also Related:
Photo Gallery: Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC – Best moments of the game
Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC: Strengths, Weaknesses and Players to watch out
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football
FC Goa appoints Manolo Marquez as new Head Coach
FC Goa confirm the appointment of Manolo Marquez as the Club’s new Head Coach. The Spaniard has put pen to paper on a multi-year contract that will see him take…
Coach’s trust goes a long way in building a player’s career, says Akash Mishra
In the last nine matches the Indian senior men’s team have played, Akash Mishra has not been on the pitch for only 12 minutes. Such has been his rise over…
Manolo Marquez: I know we’ll field a good team and enjoy a good season
Manolo Marquez, speaking in his first press conference since being announced as FC Goa’s new head coach sounded upbeat about the upcoming 2023-24 season, as he takes over the reins…
Shashwat Panwar on a journey of improvement with India U-17s
NEW DELHI: The India U-17 Men’s National Team have been on an impressive run in their training camps in Spain and Germany, pitting themselves against the youth teams of some of…
Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: A quick-start guide to the Blue Tigers’ opponents
BHUBANESWAR: Since its inception in 2018, the Hero Intercontinental Cup has not been just a four-nation tournament, but also a convergence of various footballing styles and cultures. The inaugural edition was staged…
132nd Durand Cup to reach Shillong and Kokrajhar
Kolkata, June 07, 2023: The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 132nd Durand Cup football tournament, today announced Shillong in Meghalaya and Kokrajhar in Assam, as the newest host cities for the…
Vikram Partap Singh signs extension with Mumbai City FC until 2026
Mumbai, 7 June 2023: Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce that Vikram Partap Singh has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him with the Islanders until May 2026. The 21-year-old prodigious…
India U-17s beat Muang Thong United in training game
NEW DELHI: The India U-17 Men’s National Team defeated Muang Thong United U-17s 3-0 at the Kirin Valley Sports Complex in Khoyai, Thailand, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Korou Singh gave…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Local lad Rahul Bheke signs one-year contract extension with Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC defender Rahul Bheke has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club, extending his stay with the Islanders until the end of the 2023-24 season. The 32-year-old…
Stimac bullish before Hero Intercontinental Cup opener against Mongolia
BHUBANESWAR: The India Senior Men’s Team will begin their Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 campaign with a first-ever meeting against Mongolia on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar…
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…