TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: Soccer crazy fans from Canacona have decided to protest the ‘controversial’ sale of tickets for ISL’s 2nd leg semi-final match between FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata in a novel way despite having tickets. They will not be watching the match at Fatorda but instead watch it on giant screens in their respective localities to express solidarity with those who were not lucky enough to get tickets. (Releated reports on pages 3 & 15)
“This will be our novel way of protesting the dubious sale of tickets and show solidarity with our colleagues. We will stay away from Fatorda stadium on Wednesday despite having entry passes. The few tickets which we have will not be given to anyone, but wasted, thus forfeiting our money,” said Seby (Shaka) Fernandes, who was looking forward to watch the match with his friends at Fatorda.
Branco Rodrigues, who postponed his departure to Gulf by two days just to watch semi-final match at Fatorda, could not get tickets.
A disappointed Rodrigues now plans to watch the match on a giant screen. “There will be the same excitement as that of a football stadium as we watch the match on a giant screen,” he said.
According to reports, many football fans have contributed to buy a projector to watch the match on a giant screen. Such screens will be set up at Chaudi in front of St Thereza Church, Dessaiwada-Agonda, besides, many coastal restaurants at Palolem, Agonda, etc, sources said.
Fans have also criticized organizers for reportedly issuing tickets in bulk to some politicians. “This practice is a direct infringement on public right to buy the tickets lawfully. This has created artificial shortage”, said a fan.
Sources informed that a ticket priced at Rs 100 was being sold for as high as Rs 800-1000 while those of Rs 200 were being quoted at Rs 1000-1500.
