Bengaluru: Following some testing circumstances which involved a goalkeeper fainting and absence of medical personnel at the stadium, BDFA B Division football match between Bangalore Mars and Royals were called off on Sunday. In addition, the tournament was also postponed to April 30.
Mars’ goalkeeper Santhosh fainted while on the field and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance where he was found to be suffering from dehydration.
The club had a reserve goalkeeper and was ready to continue, but with no association physio on call, BDFA Secretary Bhoopal opted for abandoning the match. “Since we don't have a medical official, its better we postpone the game,” he said.
Asked about the whereabouts of the association physio, BDFA treasurer R. Ramakrishna told Deccan Chronicle, “Our usual physio has gone home to Odisha. We have already arranged for a new physio to come in and take his spot,” while confirming that no one was at hand on Sunday.
In addition to the physio’s no-show, there are also issues with the ground staff that are plaguing the Bangalore Football Stadium. There is also a severe water shortage and the pitch is not watered before the matches.
“It's been difficult. There are issues with ground staff and water here. We somehow managed the last couple of days, but today, maybe because it was a Sunday, they didn't turn up," an official said.
B Division matches kick off 2 pm and 3.30 pm, which is quite dangerous considering the summer that Bengaluru has been experiencing.
