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
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
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…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / 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…