FIFA U17 World Cup: Security put on high alert for teams after fan violence incident in Guwahati

What's the story?

In a regrettable episode for the Indian sports fraternity, a stone was thrown at the Australian cricket team's bus last night when it was returning to the team hotel in Guwahati. Australian batsman, Aaron Finch tweeted a photo of the shattered glass which alerted the authorities to take quick action.

With the FIFA U17 World Cup also being underway in the city, security has been beefed up for all the teams in the city. Cricket Australia in their official statement said that the players were completely shaken by the incident but gladly no injuries were suffered by any of the players.

A source close to the sports ministry said, "The Local Organising Committee (LOC) along with the State Government has assigned extra security for all players and teams. Moreover, the security will be amped up for the buses shuttling the teams from the stadium. The Sports Ministry has directly informed the Local Organising Committee, and is working from their end to clear all logistical problems along the way." Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and the Assam government officials have assured FIFA over the safety of all the teams in the city.

In case you didn't know...

Guwahati has already hosted four group games in the FIFA U-17 World Cup with the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium being the venue for almost all of the Group E games featuring top teams like Japan and France. Guwahati has been entrusted to host 10 matches in the World Cup with a semifinal also set to take place in the capital of Assam.

The heart of the matter

As soon as the shameful incident came to light, the authorities started the search to nab the perpetrators. Sarbananda Sonowal, the Chief Minister of Assam, has also revealed that two suspects have been arrested by the police. The authorities have also increased the security to commute from hotel to the stadium for all the teams.

Guwahati stone-throwing incident NOT reflective of our security measures. Aus team & FIFA are content w/those. India remains a graceful host

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) October 11, 2017

Have spoken to @sarbanandsonwal ji about the Guwahati incident. Personal security of visiting athletes & teams is extremely important for us

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) October 11, 2017

What's next?

Guwahati's Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium will host two FIFA U17 World Cup matches today with the Japan vs France match followed by the New Caledonia vs Honduras match.

Author's take

Questions will be raised about the security standards in the country but a quick response from the concerned authorities has led the situation to get under control. So far, the management of the prestigious FIFA mega event has been spot on but this stone throwing incident may take some sheen off from all the good work that has been done.