Manjappada claims Kerala Blasters management used security forces to 'detain and threaten'

Kerala Blasters' biggest fan group, Manjappada, has put the club in a tight spot by accusing the management of using the 'heavy hand of the security forces' to silence its members.

Manjappada has claimed that the club's management used its influence to 'detain and threaten preventive arrest' of its members, besides confiscating banners and mosaics and issuing warning against chanting slogans.

The allegations were made within hours of a statement from the club refuting its alleged involvement in the disruption of a fan protest ahead of the last home match against Odisha FC in Kochi on January 13.

The Blasters said: "the club would like to strongly reinforce the fact that it has no power to instruct the State’s Police force on their understanding and acting in certain situations to maintain law and order. The club also places on record that the police intervention was not instructed by the club, as we are not a part of the law and order mechanism which is handled by much more competent and independent authorities."

But the Manjappada has given a strongly-worded response, in which it says the club has rewarded its 11 years of loyalty with "nothing but suppression, threats and disrespect".

"Is this the treatment we deserve after a decade of unwavering loyalty and dedication?" Manjappada said, reiterating that its protest was 'not against the players, the coaching staff or anyone on the field'. "We love them, respect them and will always support them, rain or shine. Our fight is solely with the management that has failed to build a squad capable of challenging for the ISL Shield, the ISL Trophy or an AFC spot." Since its inception in 2014, the club has not won any major trophies, but reached the ISL final thrice.