'This is Kerala Not Kashmir', Real Kashmir FC Allege Misbehaviour Ahead of I-League Clash vs Gokulam Kerala FC

Real Kashmir FC has had a dream run in their inaugural I-League season thus far and the team is winning accolades from all corners. However, the Snow Leopards alleged that they were hurled abuses and manhandled by officials of Gokulam Kerala, who "deprived" the visitors training facilities ahead of their game. Real Kashmir FC is in Kerala for their game against the home side on Saturday.

In a series of tweets, Real Kashmir FC complained about the training and transport facility in Kerala. The Valley-based club also uploaded a video in which the club members were told to leave the ground by officials of Gokulam Kerala FC. Real Kashmir FC’s Campaign Showcases Love for Football in the Valley, Watch Video.

"An unfortunate incident happened today morning in Kozhikode in Kerala when the coach and other members of RKFC were abused and heckled by officials of Gokulam Kerala FC," the Kashmir club had said in a statement.

"As per protocol, the home team is supposed to provide a ground two days ahead of the main game for practice. However, RKFC was deprived of that. This morning no transport was provided to ferry the team from hotel to the ground and when they managed to reach themselves, the home team officials prevented physically from entering the ground," it added in the statement.

Gokulam also took to Twitter to issue a clarification. The host club said that they had arranged for a bus for the club officials to the Medical College training ground. Gokulam alleged that Real Kashmir invaded the EMS stadium where training a day before the match is not allowed. "Today is 'Harthal' (strike) organised by a political party. After a long previous night of arrangements to get the transport for both the teams, we managed to send the bus for RKFC. Medical college ground was booked for RKFCs training,” Gokulam had said.

“Before the bus arrived, RKFCs officials who are staying in a nearby hotel invaded the EMS Stadium, where training a day before the match is not allowed. To keep this in track, we refused to let them train in the EMS. RKFC officials stormed the FOP and manhandled the groundsman and threw his phone away when he tried to capture what Mr. Robertson and his club members tried to do.”

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also took to Twitter and tried to pacify the things. “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,” Omar tweeted.

All is well now!

The two teams eventually sorted out the issue and are looking ahead to the game of football. RKFC tweeted a photo of the two coaches, Real Kashmir FC's David Robertson and Gokulam Kerala's Bino George, shaking hands on the eve of the match. "All set for the game tomorrow. Lets play.@ILeagueOfficial," Real Kashmir FC wrote on their twitter handle.

"GKFC requests everyone concerned to put an end to this chapter and focus on the better things, we will continue to be good hosts no matter what others say about us," Gokulam Kerala tweeted.

Real Kashmir have had a wonderful campaign till now collecting 13 points from seven games, with four wins to their credit. Gokulam have earned nine from the same number of games but have had some good days in office. (Inputs PTI).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2018 10:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).