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In a shocking incident, Real Kashmir FC on Friday claimed that they were abused and denied with basic facilities like training and travel services by the hosts, Gokulam Kerala FC, officials ahead of their next match of the ongoing Hero I-League 2018-19.
Gokulam denied all allegations by Real Kashmir, replying that there's a hartal (strike) on in Kerala and that the club still made travel arrangements for them.
Real Kashmir, after conquering the 2nd Division earlier this year, entered the I-League with flying colours, defeating defending champions, Minerva FC in the very first match. They maintained their dominance by drawing their second match against the strong Churchill Brothers.
Real Kashmir FC faced two consecutive defeats by the hands of NEROCA FC and Mohun Bagan. However, coached by Scottish David Robertson, Real Kashmir FC made a strong comeback, winning all three following matches, including a 6-1 big win against Shillong Lajong in the last match at TRC Turf, Srinagar.
Meanwhile, before heading to their next encounter against Gokulam Kerala FC, Real Kashmir FC has alleged hosts for mistreating them.
A statement from Real Kashmir FC read, “We have been asked to stay inside the hotel till tomorrow’s game. We haven’t been provided any official transport or proper training facilities before our clash tomorrow. Our coach and staff was abused by the officials of Gokulam Kerala FC. We need police protection and assurance that none of our players or staff members will be harmed. If we feel threatened, we may not play the game tomorrow.”
In a Tweet released by the official handle of the club, the officials including coach Robertson have faced severe abuse at Kerala.
In a long thread of seven tweets, Gokulam Kerala said travel and ground arrangements were made for RKFC, but Kashmir chose not to use them.
"Today is ‘Harthal’ (Strike) organised by a political party. After a long previous night of arrangements to get the transport for both the teams, we managed to send the bus for RKFC. Medical college ground was booked for RKFCs training," Gokulam Kerala said.
"Before the bus arrived, RKFCs officials who are staying in a nearby hotel invaded the EMS Stadium, where training a day before the match is not allowed by any MC. To keep this in track, we refused to let them train in the EMS.
"RKFC officials stormed the FOP and manhandled the groundsman and threw his phone away when he tried to capture what Mr. Robertson and his club members tried to do.
"Mr. Robertson called our CEO a “a fu**** ba****” for doing the things he had to do.
"Just because @realkashmirfc admin woke up a bit early and blurted things out, it doesn’t mean it is the neither right or wrong. Keep your sentiments for “new club from Kashmir” aside and think through the whole situation!"
It would be interesting to see how I-League officials respond to this claim made by Real Kashmir FC as it looks like things are not well with both the sides. They are going to clash at EMS Stadium, tomorrow at 5 PM.
Meanwhile, with four wins out of seven matches, debutants, Real Kashmir FC are placed at the third spot in the points table. Gokulam, having won only two matches, are placed seventh.
