Real Kashmir allege ill-treatment by Gokulam Kerala, seek police protection

Real Kashmir FC Friday alleged y were hurled abuses and manhandled by officials of Gokulam Kerala, who "deprived" visitors of training facilities ahead of ir I-League game in Kozhikode.

Lying third after a sensational start to ir maiden season in top-flight, Real Kashmir are scheduled to face seventh-placed Gokulam Kerala at EMS Corporation Stadium on December 15. Real Kashmir even threatened to pull out of game if y are t provided police protection.

On ir part, Gokulam Kerala FC issued a clarification and alleged poor and irresponsible behaviour by Real Kashmir FC.

visiting Real Kashmir too issued a statement, giving sequence of events. 

"An unfortunate incident happened today morning in Kozhikode in Kerala when coach and or members of RKFC were abused and heckled by officials of Gokulam Kerala FC," Kashmir club said in a statement.

"As per protocol, home team is supposed to provide a ground two days ahead of main game for practice. However, RKFC was deprived of that. This morning transport was provided to ferry team from hotel to ground and when y mand to reach mselves, home team officials prevented physically from entering ground," it added in statement.

Real Kashmir go into match after a thumping 6-1 win against Shillong Lajong at home.

y furr said, "Abuses were hurled at team members including ir coach and finally RKFC members were asked to leave ground and stay indoors till match tomorrow with Gokulam Kerala FC.

"re was team bus, proper training ground was provided by host Gokulam Kerala FC, which is a mandatory requirement as per guidelines of I-League."

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This is Real Kashmir's first season in I-League after winning second division last year while this is second season when Gokulam are playing in competition.

"We condemn treatment that has been met by our team members who have been asked to stay inside hotel till tomorrow's game.

"Our coach and staff was abused by officials of Gokulam Kerala FC. 

We need police protection and assurance that ne of our players or staff members will be harmed.

"If we feel threatened, we may t play game tomorrow. matter has been taken up with appropriate authorities of law enforcement ncies as well as football federation," said Real Kashmir.

Gokulam also took to Twitter to issue a clarification. Gokulam said that y had arranged for a bus for club officials to Medical College training ground -- a bus y "never took" for training at Medical College.

Gokulam said that Real Kashmir invaded EMS stadium where training a day before match is t allowed. Gokulam also alleged that Real Kashmir officials manhandled groundsman and used foul langu.

"Today is 'Harthal' (Strike) organised by a political party. After a long previous night of arrangements to get transport for both teams, we mand to send bus for RKFC. Medical college ground was booked for RKFCs training," Gokulam wrote on ir twitter handle.

"Before bus arrived, RKFCs officials who are staying in a nearby hotel invaded EMS Stadium, where training a day before match is t allowed by any MC. To keep this in track, we refused to let m train in EMS.

"RKFC officials stormed FOP and manhandled groundsman and threw his phone away when he tried to capture what Mr. Robertson and his club members tried to do. te, Mr. Robertson called our CEO a 'a fu** ba**' for doing things he had to do." 

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