ISL Semi-finals: Chennaiyin’s home leg in Pune
While the team’s home venue, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium suffered little damage, the overstretched local authorities are not in a position to offer the requisite support necessary to host any sporting event.
Published : Dec 08, 2015 15:38 IST
Chennaiyin FC will miss the support of their fanatic fans for the first leg of their semi-finals encounter against Atletico de Kolkata. The Chennai-based franchisee will now play the home leg of their fixture at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on December 12.
"IMG-Reliance and Star India along with the Chennaiyin FC management conclude to the decision of moving the Club’s home ground to Pune, after evaluating all possibilities for Chennai to host the semi-final match," a Press statement from the organisers said.
The recent deluge in Chennai has left the city reeling. While the team’s home venue, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium suffered little damage, the overstretched local authorities are not in a position to offer the requisite support necessary to host any sporting event.
Presenting the fixtures for the semi-finals of
>#HeroISL 2015! Gear up for the action!
>#LetsFootball>pic.twitter.com/KxNaxWUckP
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague)
The news will come as a dampener for the club’s support base and Marco Materazzi and his boys will also be at a disadvantage. The team have won four of their seven home matches this term, with the vociferous fans at the ‘Marina Arena’ lending an added strength to the team.
"The decision was particularly difficult as Chennaiyin FC’s fans have displayed immense passion and fortitude to support their Club through thick and thin this season. But it was one which had to be taken, keeping in mind the current situation in Chennai," the statement added.