Volunteers outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup match featuring Brazil and Spain on Saturday. Photo: Josekutty Panackal
Kochi: The opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Kochi featuring Brazil and Spain was easily the most anticipated clash of the group stage. Tickets for the marquee game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were sold out well in advance. However, the strict security measures in place for the high-profile event left the fans frustrated at the stadium on Saturday night.
Spectators were not allowed to carry water bottles or bags inside the stadium and they had to rely on the food and beverage counters to quench their thirst. However, by half-time itself most of the counters had run short of water.
"By the end of the first game, only Coca-Cola was left in the food stall where I sat. The worst part was that I could not go out as those who left the stadium were not allowed back for the second game," said Adarsh, who had come all the way from Mananthavady in Wayanad to witness the historic event of Kerala hosting a FIFA World Cup game for the first time.
Many fans were seen arguing with the police officials on duty and the cops had a tough time to pacify them.
The World Cup has given a face-lift to the stadium, but the treatment to the poor spectators remains the same. Are the organizers listening?
Read more: FIFA U-17 World Cup | Brazil down Spain in Kochi
