ISL 2017/18: Kerala Blasters fans come out in support of captain Sandesh Jhingan after Rene Meulensteen accusations

Earlier yesterday, former Kerala Blasters coach Rene Meulensteen launched severe criticism at Sandesh Jhingan for ‘unprofessional’ and ‘disgraceful’ behaviour off the field.

Under the Dutch football manager, the club was going through a string of disappointing performances. Eventually, the 3-1 loss at the hands of Bengaluru FC proved to be the final nail in the coffin. Meulensteen was released by Kerala and instead, David James was brought back to take over the reins.

The former manager accused Jhingan of partying and drinking late into the night on the day before Kerala were handed a 5-2 drubbing by FC Goa. When he inquired about the performance, the defender was apparently still smelling of alcohol.

He further went on to say that as the captain of the team, who represents the fans and the club, Jhingan let himself and everyone else down.

While Meulensteen hit out at Jhingan, the club’s fans came out in support of their captain. They took to Twitter to voice their opinions, hitting back at the Dutchman for blaming Jhingan.

@SandeshJhingan We believe in you bro and we go long back. The passion and dedication you shown for the country and KBFC is just unbelievable #webelieveinyoucaptain #goforawin

— Pradeep Jain (@pradeep_jain_23) January 21, 2018

“A story is only half told if there is only one side presented. Before you judge or comment on someone make sure you hear both sides” Not justifying him. Just can’t forget his contributions over a story. 😏#KeralaBlasters #Jhingan #KERGOA #Manjappada 💛 pic.twitter.com/zfF6CItn60

— Desi2wins (@Desi2wins) January 20, 2018

A free world it is, and everyone is entitled to make his opinions.Every time i have seen @SandeshJhingan on the field,all i could see was a warrior who would put his life on the line.The commitment and the love for the game can never be doubted.We love him here.

— Nikhil Rajagopalan (@nikhilrgs) January 21, 2018

@rmeulensteen1 Thanks for the comment, from the person who ruined our team . We ain't gonna turn against our Captain, you couldn't even get the team to score goals under you, you demoted our @Humey_7 and now you blame the Cap for your incapabilities.

— Jithu kuriakose (@jithupattattu) January 21, 2018

Calling somebody like @SandeshJhingan a party boy won't cover his mistakes, it is the real unprofessional attitude. I hope Indian Football fans won't believe these kind of rubbish. Even our rivals love him. Somebody here is trying to build a controversie and mask his failures.

— kriz (@Dkriz48) January 20, 2018

@SandeshJhingan is our pride. Our crownless king. Noo1 cant sack him @kbfc_manjappada will stand for him always. @KeralaBlasters #KERGOA #FuckSackers pic.twitter.com/CsQM0ZGPzR

— Ajith P Abhilash (@AjithPAbhilash) January 21, 2018

Jhingan has been one of the most consistent performers for Kerala Blasters as well as the national team over the last few years. He first came to the limelight during season one of the ISL for his superlative performances. Recently, he became the first Indian player to make 50 appearances in the competition. He is a huge fan favourite among the Manjappada and it does not come as a surprise that they have lent him support at a time when he needs it most.