ISL: Kerala Blasters Condemn ‘Racial Abuse’ of Player During Match Against Bengaluru FC

In response to an alleged act of racism that occurred during their Indian Super League match against Bengaluru FC on Friday, Kerala Blasters Football Club voiced “deep disappointment” and worry.

According to reports, Kerala Blasters defender Aiban Dohling was subjected to racist insults by Bengaluru FC player Ryan Williams on Thursday during the league’s 10th season’s opening game at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium.

The alleged event is said to have occurred during the game’s 82nd minute, which Kerala Blasters won.

“It has come to our knowledge that a Bengaluru FC player made a rude gesture at one of our players during the game. We want to be very clear that racist and disparaging behavior has no place in either our club or the sport. The Kerala Blasters stated in a statement that racism, prejudice, and disrespectful behavior have no place whatsoever, even on the football field.

The club said that a formal complaint has been made to the proper authorities, requesting that they launch a full inquiry into the occurrence.

“Kerala Blasters wish to express our deep disappointment and concern with a regrettable incident that occurred during our opening match against Bengaluru FC,” the statement said.

Football, according to the club, “unites people from diverse backgrounds and cultures” and serves as a forum for respect for one another.

It urged Bengaluru FC to take the necessary steps, saying, “We remain committed to promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect in football and in our club.”

On social media, the purported incident’s video has gained a lot of attention.