KOCHI: The culture of watching football on giant screens was confined to Malabar belt, where people follow the game closely and football is more than just a game. Now, Kochiites too are following in the footsteps with football becoming a timeless passion and much more for many in the city.
Some of the diehard aficionados of ISL team Kerala Blasters thronged in flocks, to catch the live action of their favourite team’s away match against FC Goa on Monday, under the South overbridge where a huge projector screen was mounted for the people to watch the match.
“Matches are always more exhilarating in a crowd. We used to go to stadium for the home matches of Kerala Blasters. But it is not possible for many of us to go to other states to watch the away matches of Blasters. By placing a giant screen we can now watch and enjoy football together along with creating a stadium like atmosphere,” said, Sajit, an undergraduate student.
For the fans, it was fun cheering on each move or tackle made by the Blasters players. The enthusiasm reached a crescendo with them giving each other high-fives when Blasters striker Mohammed Rafi scored the equaliser early in the second half and winning goal by Kervens Belfort in the dying minutes of the match.