Mohammedan Sporting Club is no stranger to fan violence, a disturbing phenomenon that has unfortunately become synonymous with some football clubs worldwide. Over the years, several instances involving the club’s passionate fan base have raised questions about crowd management and security during matches. Below, we take a closer look at some previous recent instances where violence or disorder involving Mohammedan Sporting supporters disturbed the Indian footballing community.
September 2024 – Rifle-Wielding Fan During CFL Game Against East Bengal
In one of the most shocking incidents in recent Indian football history, a Mohammedan Sporting fan was seen brandishing a rifle during the Calcutta Football League (CFL) Super Six match against East Bengal on September 20, 2024. The match, played at Naihati Stadium, was already brimming with tension as the two fierce Kolkata rivals squared off in what is commonly referred to as the ‘mini-derby.
The incident occurred in the second half when Mohammedan took the lead 2-1, courtesy of goals by Bamiya Samad and Soraisam Robinson Singh. While the crowd erupted in celebration, one fan, among the sea of black-and-white supporters, was spotted waving what appeared to be a rifle. The image quickly went viral on social media, leaving the Indian football fraternity in shock.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the weapon was a fake. However, this did little to quell the growing concerns about stadium security. Questions immediately arose about how the fan managed to smuggle even a mock weapon past the security screenings at the stadium.
The Barrackpore Police Commissionerate acted swiftly, arresting the individual in question. They launched an investigation into how such a serious breach of security occurred, even though no one was physically harmed. This incident not only marred an otherwise thrilling match but also called into question the adequacy of security measures at Indian football matches.
Despite the shocking scenes, East Bengal fought back to draw 2-2, with Jesin TK scoring two critical goals. Nevertheless, the focus shifted from the game to the need for more stringent crowd control and the behavior of the supporters.
February 2024 – Fan Violence Against Real Kashmir Forces Mohammedan SC to Play Behind Closed Doors
The tension between fans and players took another violent turn earlier in the 2023-24 I-League season when Mohammedan Sporting fans instigated chaos during a home match against Real Kashmir FC in February 2024. The Black Panthers, known for their fiercely loyal fan base, were battling to stay in the title race at the time, and the frustration of supporters boiled over after a disheartening draw.
As the final whistle blew, Mohammedan fans stormed parts of the Naihati Bankimanjali Stadium, venting their anger by hurling objects at the Real Kashmir players and vandalizing parts of the stadium. The most unsettling aspect of the incident was the inability of the security forces to control the situation before it escalated into full-blown chaos. A fan even ran into the pitch after a penalty call that went against their way but the stewards allow him to go back without punishment.
In response to the violence, Mohammedan Sporting Club made the difficult decision to play their next two home matches behind closed doors. In a statement released by the club, they confirmed, “Due to the unfortunate incidents of crowd violence at our last home game in the I-League, the club initiated an internal discussion between all stakeholders. Subsequently, it was agreed that our next two I-League home matches would be played without fans.“
The absence of fan support during crucial matches against Rajasthan United FC and Namdhari FC dealt a severe blow to the team’s morale, especially as they were striving to secure promotion to the Indian Super League. The decision also highlighted the growing need for clubs to manage their passionate fan bases effectively, as repeated incidents of violence can tarnish the club’s reputation and affect its long-term goals.
September 2022 – Durand Cup Clash Against Bengaluru FC Sparks Fan Fury
The third significant instance of Mohammedan Sporting fan violence occurred during the 2022 Durand Cup when the Black Panthers faced off against Indian Super League giants Bengaluru FC. In a tightly contested match, Mohammedan Sporting appeared poised to snatch victory, only for Bengaluru FC to score a last-minute equalizer.
The 1-1 draw sparked fury among the Mohammedan fans, many of whom had traveled in large numbers to support their team. As the match ended, fans expressed their frustration by tearing down stadium hoardings and vandalizing parts of the Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Salt Lake. Security personnel had to be called in to restore order, as the situation threatened to spiral out of control.
For a club with such a rich history and an ardent fan base, these moments of uncontrolled anger have repeatedly led to unfortunate scenes in Indian football. The damage caused by the fans not only brought embarrassment to the club but also led to monetary fines and increased scrutiny from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
In the aftermath, Mohammedan Sporting issued an official apology to both the tournament organizers and Bengaluru FC, condemning the actions of the few disruptive elements within their fan base. The incident served as a stark reminder of how passionate fans can sometimes let their emotions get the better of them, leading to regrettable actions that harm the reputation of both the team and its supporters.
October 2024 – Fan Chaos Erupts in Clash Against Kerala Blasters
The most recent incident of fan unrest involving Mohammedan SC occurred during a heated Indian Super League encounter against Kerala Blasters on October 21, 2024. The game, held at the Mohammedan Stadium, ended 2-1 in favor of the Blasters, but the match was marred by crowd violence that led to a temporary suspension of play.
Tensions reached a boiling point in the second half when Mohammedan SC fans erupted in anger over a denied penalty appeal. The frustration among the home supporters grew after Kerala Blasters had equalized and then taken the lead with goals from Kwame Peprah and Jesus Jimenez. The non-penalty decision infuriated Mohammedan fans, who began throwing sticks, bottles, and even setting off firecrackers.
Security forces struggled to contain the escalating situation as players from both teams were forced to leave the field due to safety concerns. For several minutes, the match was suspended while authorities worked to restore order. Eventually, the game resumed, but the chaotic scenes left a dark cloud over what had otherwise been an exciting contest.
Despite Kerala Blasters securing the 2-1 victory, the aftermath of the match focused on the fan violence. The club now faces possible sanctions from the league, and Mohammedan Sporting is likely to face disciplinary action if the AIFF investigation finds their fans in violation of league regulations. This incident, like others before it, highlights the critical need for better crowd control and security measures at Indian football matches.
These three incidents involving Mohammedan Sporting supporters serve as a cautionary tale for clubs across India but most importantly for the own management of Mohammedan. While fan passion is an integral part of football culture, the line between excitement and violence can sometimes blur, leading to consequences that affect not just the game but the club’s standing in the broader footballing world. As Indian football continues to grow, stronger measures to ensure fan behavior and stadium security are crucial for the sport’s development.
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