Post-game violence tainted an otherwise thrilling 1-1 draw between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, sparking fresh worries about fan safety in the Indian Super League. A 28-year-old Mohun Bagan fan, identified as Rajiv Roy from Howrah by the Bengali news outlet Sangbad Pratidin, was reportedly assaulted outside the stadium after the match.
Eyewitnesses stated that Roy and his companion, Shubhmoy Jana, were confronted by a group of 8-10 individuals after the final whistle. The situation quickly escalated, with verbal abuse exchanged before Roy was struck on the head by a brick from behind.
Recalling the incident, Roy mentioned that they had traveled to witness their first away game. “We came to see the away match for the first time. After the game, 8-10 people attacked us outside the stadium. They verbally abused us. A brick hit us on the head from behind,” he recounted.
The impact resulted in a severe head injury for Roy, requiring 10 stitches. He was promptly taken to Tata Hospital for scans and is currently under medical observation, with his condition reported as stable.
Members of Mohun Bagan’s management, including secretary Srinjoy Bose and president Debashis Dutta, visited the injured supporter. Anupam Sahu, an executive committee member, also rushed to the scene upon learning of the incident to ensure Roy received immediate medical assistance.
The violence overshadowed a fiercely contested match on the field. Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 15th minute with a remarkable long-range goal from Liston Colaco. Although Jamshedpur FC responded aggressively, they struggled to breach a well-organized defense for most of the game.
Nonetheless, the hosts managed to secure a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time, with substitute Ritwik Das scoring in the 95th minute from a Raphal Messi Bouli cross, securing a point and leaving both teams tied on 14 points after seven matches.
While the outcome impacted Mohun Bagan’s championship aspirations, the focus has shifted to fan safety, with demands for enhanced security measures and accountability in light of the distressing incident.