FIFA World Cup 2018: Seven injured as Brazil-Argentina rivalry leads to violence in Kolkata
Brazil and Argentina share one of the most iconic rivalries on the football pitch but a group of supporters of the respective countries in Kolkata took the rivalry off the pitch, resulting into a huge clash. At least seven people were left injured in the violence which erupted after two teams playing in a local tournament, who also happened to be supporters of Brazil and Argentina indulged in violence over a penalty decision.
India is currently immersed in the FIFA World Cup fever and the fans want to absorb every bit of action that comes their way. While the best of teams are fighting it out on the field in Russia, a group of fans in West Bengal's capital Kolkata engaged in a clash over a controversial penalty decision in a local tournament. Reportedly, the fight grew intense as the two groups consisted fans of Brazil and Argentina.
The clash broke out on Sunday in the Ultadanga-Eastern Metropolitan Bypass area after two neighbouring teams playing in a three-a-side tournament took the battle from on the field to off the field. As per a TOI report, at least seven people were left injured as the two groups indulged in violence, destroying vehicles and vandalizing houses.
“Those involved in the fight brought out cricket bats and hockey sticks and ransacked six houses and vandalized vehicles. Seven people, including a senior citizen, were injured," TOI quoted an eyewitness. The team from VRS-3 quarters sent two teams under the Pragati Sangha banner, one of which was playing with a team from Duttabad in the quarterfinal match.
It was during the game that the referee turned down a penalty appeal which resulted into a brawl. The clash lasted overnight, and the local police are currently probing the involvement of at least 25 people in the violence.
During the World Cup season, Kolkata, which is home of Indian football, witnesses a different kind of atmosphere. The streets are all flocked with fans sporting jerseys of their favourite teams, discussions of the tournament take place in every nook and corner of the city. Posters are spread all around and fans support their teams with all their heart.
While there are fan bases of many countries in the city, Argentina and Brazil remain the top favourites. The iconic rivalry is as fearsome off the pitch in Kolkata as it is on the pitch. But above all such incidents of violence, only hurt the spirit of the game. Brazil and Argentina entered the Russia extravaganza as one of the favourites, while Brazil booked a quarterfinals spot after defeating Mexico 2-1 in their round of 16 game, Argentina bowed out after losing 4-3 to France.