ISL 2017: Bengaluru FC and FC Goa fans enter war of words after Sunil Chhetri is booed by Goa supporters

What's the story?

Bengaluru FC succumbed to their first loss of the ISL 2017 season against FC Goa, who put in an inspired performance to clinch a victory at home at the Fatorda Stadium.

However, all was not rosy at the end of the 4-3 win as the home fans booed Sunil Chhetri and his team, owing to their belief that Bengaluru FC played very aggressive football during the whole match.

This was not taken well by the Blues fans, who slammed the FC Goa supporters for disrespecting the national team skipper.

In case you didn't know

Bengaluru FC are making their debut in the ISL this season, having played only in the I-League in the past. Led by Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri, BFC started off on a positive note with two wins from two matches before falling short to Goa in yesterday's encounter.

The heart of the matter

All this drama unfolded right after Sunil Chettri tweeted from his official account:

To the fans who made it to the stands, we heard you all night, gave our all but fell short. We will learn and go again and again. #GOABEN

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) November 30, 2017

Many fans did not seem very happy at the reaction of the home fans and tweeted their disappointment at how they booed the BFC team and especially Sunil Chettri, neglecting his achievements for the country.

(Warning: Some tweets have explicit language)

Goa fans must be ashamed to boo a player who had done so much to this country such a classless fucktwats..

— Choda Writes ? (@ImoRoflme) November 30, 2017

U can't boo sunil chetri who is role model for youth he is captain leader Legend this is shame for Goa fans

— Aman (@Aman62268201) November 30, 2017

The tweet received mixed responses as some fans of FC Goa put down the tweet suggesting that since Chettri was playing for the opposition, they were trying to get on his nerves and nationality did not matter while some others went on to say that it all happens in a game of football.

Sorry chhetri,we abused you,but no ill feelings from heart,its when Goa or Goan clubs are involved,we cant control our emotion,best of luck for your next game

— agnelo gomes (@gomesagnelo84) December 1, 2017

This ain't International Football , SC was playing for the opponents.We booed every BFC player without looking at nationality.just to get on their nerves

— The_Sarcastic_Dude (@FilSarcastic) December 1, 2017

So your gonna cry now cause we booed BFC players??Man up dude , this is Football.Do your best when you get the chance.

— The_Sarcastic_Dude (@FilSarcastic) December 1, 2017

However, BFC fans went on the offensive by promising to extract revenge when FC Goa comes to Kanteerva Stadium, the home ground of BFC!

You guys will pay for it In Kanteerva!

— sachin pawar (@sachinVanPersie) December 1, 2017

What's next?

As the ISL Season 4 caravan continues, the next meeting of these two teams will be on February 8, which will be contested at BFC's home, the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru that could well turn out to be a scintillating contest after the scenario in their last clash.

Author's take

While fans are indeed loyal to their teams in football, especially in big leagues such as the ISL, booing is sure to be a part of any tightly fought contest. As long as it is in the right spirit of the game and fans do not cross boundaries, it only spices up the contests and urges players to perform better on the day.