The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has strongly denounced alleged racist behavior in a recent Indian Super League (ISL) game. The incident occurred during a match between Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC, where a fan was seen making racist remarks towards Kerala Blasters defender Fallou Ndiaye in a viral video. This video sparked widespread criticism and concerns about player safety and fan conduct in Indian football.
In response to the complaints received, the AIFF has taken a firm stand against discrimination and has referred the matter to its Disciplinary Committee for investigation. The federation emphasized its commitment to ensuring that players and individuals can participate in football without facing any form of discrimination. The AIFF has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and has initiated an independent examination of the complaints as per its Disciplinary Code.
Kerala Blasters FC also issued a statement condemning the racist behavior and reported the incident to the ISL and AIFF authorities. The club expressed its strong commitment to safeguarding the integrity and dignity of its players. Kerala Blasters further stated that the incident was appalling and emphasized the importance of upholding respect and fairness in the sport.
In the game itself, Kerala Blasters secured a victory over Bengaluru FC with goals from Victor Bertomeu and Franchu, marking their first win against Bengaluru FC since September 2023. The club’s performance on the field highlighted their resilience and determination amidst the off-field controversy.
