KOCHI: With the aim of appeasing the countless football fans that are unable to gain entry to ISL matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, the city police have told the Kerala Blasters management to put up big screens outside the venue. Deputy Commissioner of Police Arul R.B. Krishna said the decision was taken following the shameful incident last Sunday that left thousands of fans with tickets stranded outside the stadium that was declared completely full an hour before kick-off.
“We’ll identify 2-3 places where they (Blasters) have been asked to provide screens,” said Mr. Krishna. “Suppose, a situation similar to last time happens there will be screening done like in fan parks so they can watch the match.” It is understood that about 5,000 fans, most of them holding tickets, were denied entry to the packed stadium on Sunday, resulting in a chaotic situation. The police are also contemplating on increasing personnel on duty on match-days considering the fan flow.
“It is difficult to have more personnel in place because of the Sabarimala season, but we are obviously trying to put in extra force,” said the deputy commissioner. At present, at least 1100 personnel, including the anti-sabotage team are deployed for the ISL matches. As the Blasters have the first leg of their semifinal against Delhi Dynamos this Sunday, the cops are expecting another tough day at work. Kochi will also host the ISL-3 final scheduled for December 18 and should the Sachin Tendulkar-owned franchisee progress to that stage, the crowd rush could potentially hit record figures.
