CHENNAI: The Disciplinary committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had ruled that the next home game of Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) will be played behind closed doors, pertaining to repeated incidents of "spectator misconduct." The defending champions play their home matches at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The committee, which is an independent body headed by a retired Supreme Court judge had pronounced this ruling based on official reports and separate complaint filed by Bengaluru FC, with evidence last year. The complaint stated that "fireworks" were launched into the away section from the home stands, where travelling Bengaluru fans were seated during the match. The report also stated that one of the fireworks hit BFC owner and other fans, and required immediate medical attention. Parth Jindal owns BFC.
Last year's incident was not the only time Bagan fans went overboard, this year also there have been incidents in the season opener against Kerala Blasters FC on February 14. The home fans reportedly used pyrotechnics.
"Based on the available evidence, a charge notice was issued on February 16, 2026, and MBSG were given time until February 21, 2026, to submit a written reply and request an oral hearing. In its meeting held on February 28, 2026, the Committee considered the written and oral submissions made by the club and decided that the club had committed an infringement of ‘spectator misconduct’ in accordance with Article 67 of the Code, read with Rules 7.3.8 and 7.5.4 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 League Rules," the statement read.
"Having violated the terms again within the probationary period, the Committee notified that the suspension of the sanction stands automatically revoked. Accordingly, a full stadium closure, in accordance with Article 19 of the Code, has been imposed on the club for their next home match, Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Odisha FC on March 6, 2026," it went on to add.
Earlier in the day, the club put out a statement saying that they accepted the financial penalty but not the stadium ban. "While we have accepted the financial penalty in good faith, we believe closing the stadium unfairly punishes thousands of passionate, law-abiding supporters who are the heartbeat of our Club," the club said in a statement.
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayana said that the club can approach the AIFF appeal committee. “Mohun Bagan have sent an email to the AIFF Secretariat this morning requesting the stadium ban be lifted. However, it needs to come through proper channels and procedure as per the provisions of the AIFF Disciplinary Code, 2024,” he said.
“Fans are one of the key stakeholders of the game, and we appreciate their contribution. However, at the same time, the security and safety of everyone in the stadium is of paramount importance, and it is something that all parties need to ensure.”