North-eastern women harassed during football match as onlookers watch silently

The video shows fans of CFC riling up NEUFC fans - some of whom were women

By: Rakesh Jha |
November 27, 2017 3:08 pm

A video showing north-eastern women being harassed by a group of boys during a football match in Chennai has gone viral on social media. The incident happened during a high-intensity clash between Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC on Thursday at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

The video shows fans of CFC riling up NEUFC fans – some of whom were women. The video shows the supporters of CFC making obscene gestures and dancing in front of three women. A crowd gathers but nobody stood up to confront the one teasing and harassing the women.

Also Read: Why Kiren Rijiju alone cannot stop racism against North East Indians

At one point when the harasser turns his back to the victim, one of the women can be seen pushing him away.

Is this how you treat visiting fans @ChennaiyinFC @Supermachans ?? pic.twitter.com/XP5l6nA4el

— Khalid Mahmood (@TheReal_Khalid) November 23, 2017

The video has created a furore on social media with both the teams equivocally condemning the incident. Meanwhile, actor and owner of NorthEast United FC, John Abraham has termed the incident deeply disturbing. In a statement on team’s official page.

“To the girl who was victimised by these insensitive and thoughtless people, we stand with you and you’ll never feel alone as you must’ve felt in that moment. I will personally meet you and make sure you are ok.”

He further slammed the ‘fans’ who harassed the women and called them ‘Fake’. “I know that Abhishek or myself would never condone this behaviour from our own true fans. I will find you and make sure you are punished and apologise for your behaviour.”

Statement: NEUFC stands by the the passionate supporters who faced untoward incident at the Marina Arena in Chennai last night. Here is a brief statement from our owner John Abraham. #Highlanders we are with you. #8States1United pic.twitter.com/ceej8iVvG3

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) November 24, 2017

Chennaiyin FC also issued a statement condemning the incident. “Chennaiyin FC has a very strict and firm policy against racism and any unbecoming behaviour in the stadium.

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The club strongly condemns any such act. We are looking into any such incidents and will take strong action against it,” the team said in a tweet.