ISL 2017/18: Kerala Blasters fan tries to click picture with Sachin Tendulkar, allegedly gets assaulted by private security

What's the story?

Sachin Tendulkar, the co-owner of Kerala Blasters was present at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to watch Kerala Blasters' last home match of the ISL season.

Sachin, who is one of the biggest celebrities in the country, has always attracted fans. On Friday, a fan, who tried to click a few photos with Sachin Tendulkar, was allegedly assaulted by one of the private security forces present at the scene.

In case you didn't know...

Till last year it was the State Police who handled the security at the stadium for Indian Super League matches. This year onwards, however, the security inside the stadium was handed over to a private security organisation, Thunder Force. Many fans are said to have complained about the hostile situation and rude behavior of the security personals inside the stadium from the start of the season.

The heart of the matter

Being a much-loved figure across the country, it is normal to see fans attempting to get a selfie with Sachin. However, the treatment that he was meted out while trying to click a picture was appalling, to say the least.

In a video that went viral on the internet, a fan is seen attempting to click a selfie with Sachin, who was in his car, outside the stadium. However, the fans was soon mobbed by a number of private security forces, who seemingly started to assault him.

A fan seemingly being beaten up by private security just outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. (Photo: Screengrab/Youtube)

Seeing this situation, a number of other fans tried to intervene, before the police arrived to diffuse the situation. One of the private security guards was also arrested.

What's next?

While the whole situation is still unclear, it remains to be seen what steps will be taken about this issue.

Author's take

The Kerala fans are known to be passionate about their club and its owners. They would love the opportunity to take a picture with their icons. While the security of the VIPs is an important affair, the organisers must also take care that none of the fans are needlessly hurt.