Blasters fans boycott home game against Jamshedpur FC

Minutes before kick-off against Jamshedpur FC, pictures have emerged of empty roads around the stadium and empty stands, which is an unusual sight before Kerala Blasters' games.

Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium sports a nearly empty look for the game against Jamshedpur FC.

Following widespread calls among fans to boycott the match, the stands at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi look nearly empty before Kerala Blasters’ game against Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).

A Kerala Blasters fan group on Facebook called ‘Manjappada Kerala Blasters fans’ had put out a poll after Blasters’ 0-0 draw against Chennaiyin FC on Thursday. The poll, which asked whether fans should boycott the following game against Jamshedpur FC, saw a resounding 85% out of the 18,000 votes agreeing to the idea.

 

And now, just minutes before kick-off, pictures have emerged of empty roads around the stadium and empty stands, which is an unusual sight before Kerala Blasters' games. The stands usually become a sea of yellow an hour before the match.

A banner inside the stadium reads 'Supporters, not customers!' ahead of the game against Jamshedpur FC.

 

Blasters has had another frustrating season, going winless in its previous eight games in the ISL and picking up just eight points from its nine games. David James’ side stares at a tough road ahead to reach the playoffs.

James had come under criticism from fans last season as well and they believe the boycott is a way of showing their displeasure with the management.