The Indian Super League (ISL) is well underway and in full-flow, but it has now been confirmed that there will be no action tonight. Guwahati is placed under indefinite curfew, which was seen on Wednesday too. This tension is due to the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), which was passed quite recently, first in the Lok Sabha and then in the Rajya Sabha. Tonight’s match between NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC (Thursday 12 Dec. 19) has been postponed until further notice.
This case is another example of how politics does interfere with Football. A few months ago we witnessed the biggest fixture in Spain, the ‘El Clasico’, being postponed due to a similar situation.
Many sources in Guwahati were suggesting for quite some time that the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-2020 match between NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC will not be taking place. The rumour was confirmed today morning, as ISL officials dropped a Tweet about the same.
“Due to the ongoing unrest in Guwahati; match 37 between Northeast United FC and Chennaiyin FC has been postponed until further notice.”
It further added, “The League has been in consultation with the concerned authorities over the past 48 hours to determine the best course of action. The safety of fans, players and League staff is of paramount importance, which has led to this decision. Further information regarding the match will be conveyed in due course- Football Sports Development Limited, ISL organizers.”
This fixture was important for both the teams as they are desperate for the three points. NorthEast United sit fifth in the table with ten points and the visitors Chennaiyin FC find themselves on ninth place, with just six points.
As safety remains the first priority, the ISL official has taken the right decision in this case, it can be said. Regarding the match cancellation, Chennaiyin FC felt that the match will be cancelled and were waiting for the official ISL confirmation.
Both NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC are residing in the Radisson Blu in the Gotanagar area of Guwahati. The hotel is assured to be safe and security has been increased in important areas.
Due to protests, several districts were put under internet-blackout including Kamrup, which is 28.6km away from Gotanagar and Lakhimpur, which is a minimum of 69km away from the area where the teams are staying. So, the teams are safe and there is no need to worry about them.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT#HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/vTUoxxwQxf
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 12, 2019
On, Wednesday, the pre-match press conference of North East United vs Chennaiyin FC was cancelled due to the situation in the city. This made it more likely that the match would be postponed.
It is understood that the postponed match will be slated in late December. Looking at the current situation, it will take a few more days or even weeks for the tensed condition to settle down. ISL officials will monitor the condition in Guwahati and will provide suitable news on the subject. The passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) was just one example of what we may possibly face in future due to political decisions. However, the love for the country and sports will always prevail. Jai Hind!!
