ISL Walkout row: Manjappada starts campaign in support of Vukomanovic as AIFF mulls ban

With reports of a potential ban on Ivan Vukomanovic emerging, Manjappada, the biggest fan group of Kerala Blasters, has initiated an online campaign in support of the head coach.

The disciplinary committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is likely to ban the Serbian over his decision to pull out Blasters during the Extra Time of their Indian Super League knockout tie against Bengaluru FC on March 3 in protest over controversial refereeing.

The walkout, a first in the ISL, resulted in Blasters forfeiting the match. According to reports, the AIFF is expected to announce its verdict soon.

"AIFF-FSDL is planning to swing a vengeful sword at coach Vukomanovic to cover up refereeing errors and protect its favoured people," Manjappada wrote in an appeal to the fanbase.

The fan group has launched a hashtag campaign claiming that losing Vukomanovic will be a huge loss for Blasters and Indian football. Manjappada expects the campaign will 'open the eyes of the authorities'.

Kerala Blasters have resumed training for the Super Cup that will be held in Kozhikode and Manjeri starting in the first week of April. The club and Vukomanovic are yet to respond to the development.