I-League in Kashmir: Unable to watch, many fans return dejected

Kashmir hosted its first football match post- August 5 with Real Kashmir Football Club defeating defending champions Chennai City in I-League on Thursday but a large number of fans returning dejected t able to watch game acted as a dampener.

Hundreds of RKFC fans turned up at TRC astro turf stadium here in hope of watching ir favourite players in action but were disappointed on kwing that entry to I-League fixtures was more free of cost.

READ: Real Kashmir Defeat Chennai City 2-1 For First Win Of I League Season

Although many fans were let in after y purchased Rs 50 tickets, security apparatus n restricted number of people going inside. RKFC officials said more than 2000 fans watched home team triumph over defending champions by odd goal in three. It was also first I-League match in Srinagar since Pulwama suicide attack of February 14 as teams had refused to turn up here due to apprehensions about security. 

last home game of RKFC was on February 6 against Gokulam Kerala as Minerva Punjab refused to travel to Srinagar to play ir match on February 18, four days after Pulwama suicide car bomb attack on a CRPF convoy. 

It was also first major sporting event in Kashmir after August 5 abrogation of Article 370 provisions but t many fans were expected to show up as internet services are suspended in Kashmir and re was very little publicity given to league fixture. 

large number of fans who turned up for match gave a tough time to security personnel who were deployed in large numbers to ensure that game passed off smoothly.  Among those who watched game was BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav who expressed happiness over RKFC's victory.  "I am an RKFC fan and I am happy that y won. I hope y win remaining matches as well and lift trophy this year," he said. RKFC were scheduled to play ir first home game of this season on December 12 but match had to be postponed due to bad wear. 

READ: Real Kashmir FC, TRAU FC Eye First Win In I-League