Yellow brigade fans gear up for big match today in Kochi

Win or lose, the fan loyalty of Kerala Blasters has become the envy of every other team in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Kerala Blasters players practising at the Choice School Ground ahead of their final league match against NorthEast United FC in Kochi on Saturday | K Shijith
Kerala Blasters players practising at the Choice School Ground ahead of their final league match against NorthEast United FC in Kochi on Saturday | K Shijith

KOCHI: Win or lose, the fan loyalty of Kerala Blasters has become the envy of every other team in the Indian Super League (ISL). With the yellow brigade all set to take on the NorthEast United FC on Sunday, in a do-or-die battle to clinch the fourth berth in the semifinals, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is expected to erupt in a wave of yellow, cheering the Blasters vociferously. Blasters fans vow that it will be a tough game for the visitors.

The reason: The North United FC, who are just one point short of the yellow brigade, will have to play against odds as thousands of fans will be cheering for the home team. The Blasters have one more reason to get motivated as Kochi will be the venue for the grand finale of ISL 3. With tickets selling like hot cakes, the officials are expecting a crowd of over 62,000 on Sunday.

“The NorthEast United will have to beat the roaring fans of Blasters to win the match. That is not going to happen as the whole stadium will erupt in a wave of yellow to cheer our team. We are ready to give our blood to the Blasters” said Ravis, an ISL fan from Fort Kochi. Fan energy is reverberating in the social media as well. Manjappada, a Facebook group of the supporters of Kerala Blasters is urging the fans to turn up in large numbers to cheer the Blasters.

“Dear bros’, we all have to be present at the stadium to support our team. We should show our love for the game by supporting the yellow brigade. The stadium should be a sea of yellow,” wrote Anujith Anu on the Blasters’ page. The fan following has been an inspiration for Blasters coach Steve Coppell as well. Meanwhile, the police have made elaborate arrangements to control the crowd. Around 1,200 police officials will be deployed to keep the fans at bay.

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The New Indian Express
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