Srinagar:Real Kashmir FC on Friday alleged that their coach and several other team members were abused by host team Gokulam Kerala FC officials ahead of their I-League clash in Kerala.
In a series of tweets, Real Kashmir FC said they were denied transport facility for training ahead of their Saturday match, apparently due to a strike called by the BJP in the state.
The club said that they were even disallowed to train at a ground located close to their hotel.
“Since yesterday we have been contacting host team officials for the transport and training ground facility. They were unable to provide a clear reply and when the bus didn’t reach till 9 am we requested them to allow us to train at the main stadium as our hotel is close by,” said a Real Kashmir FC official.
He said they were not allowed to train there and instead asked them to train at the edge of the ground which looked like a dumpyard.
“With no choice left we started doing some cardio and warm up. After some time Gokulam officials stormed the place and asked us to leave the place. They even used abusive words against our coach and other officials,” said the official, adding that they said “this is Kerala not your Kashmir and asked us not to venture out of home.”
He said the players and all the team members are scared.
The videos of the Gokulam Kerala FC ‘abusing’ Real Kashmir officials was posted by Real Kashmir on its Twitter handle.
Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has demanded safety of the team.
“Have been told @realkashmirfc are facing numerous difficulties down south in the run up to their clash against Gokulam Kerala FC to the point where they are unsure they will be safe playing tomorrow. Request local authorities to intervene to ensure safety of players & staff”.
The Gokulam Kerala FC has also hit back and defended its actions in a series of counter tweets on its official Twitter handle.