'Go to zoo': Kerala Blasters star faces racist jeering at Kanteerava Stadium in ISL clash; club raises issue with AIFF

Kerala Blasters FC have strongly condemned the incident of racial abuse that took place against one of their players in their victory over Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, April 11.

The visitors staged a second-half comeback against the Blues to register their first win of the season. The result helped the Kerala club to end their seven-match winless run to start the season. After six losses and a draw, the Blasters finally registered a victory but the aftermath of the game was marred by allegations of racism against fans at the Kanteerava Stadium.

Blasters go to AIFF against racist chants

A viral video showed a fan shouting "go to zoo" from the stands to a player of Kerala Blasters. The clip sparked outrage from fans who demanded action against such behaviour.

The club too put out a statement late on Sunday, condemning the incident and stating that the issue was being raised with the relevant authorities.

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"The Club has taken note of an appalling incident which has occurred during our last game, where one of our players was subjected to blatant racist chants," Kerala Blasters stated on their social media handles.

"The Club strongly condemns this act and has formally raised this matter with the relevant ISL and AIFF authorities. We will also pursue appropriate action to protect the integrity of our player," it added.

"There is no place for racism in our game," the club stated.

It remains to be seen what action AIFF will be taking over the issue which has enraged the passionate fanbase of Kerala Blasters.

This is not the first time the Kerala club is facing such issues. In September 2023, during the ISL Season 10 opener against the same club, the Blasters had lodged a complaint after defender Aibanbha Dohling was allegedly subjected to a racist gesture by Bengaluru’s Ryan Williams.