THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Playing in empty stadiums isn’t the same feeling for the athletes and many Indian Super League coaches and players, during their pre-match conferences, agreed that the absence of fans would surely have an impact on the game. The fans are truly missed at the stadium.
Albeit the games are being played in the State, the spectators weren’t allowed at the stadiums due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sunday, FC Goa played their first game of the season with Igor Angulo scoring double to salvage a point against Bengaluru FC. But the players had to celebrate infront of empty stands.
But nothing can separate football and Goans. The FC Goa fans took every opportunity on the match day to make their presence count and backed the Gaurs in every possible way.
From greeting the team at the hotel to escorting them to the Stadium, the Goa fans did it all. The fans held giant screenings, took part in the live fan wall and took the TV screens at home along with their families to built match atmosphere across the state.
Well they might have not enjoyed as much as they would do at the Stadiums, but they managed to get the games vibes on and back the Gaurs.
The FC Goa Fan Club, Official Supporters Club of FC Goa organised the Great Goan Gaur Huddle in association with
the East Lower Army.
“About 100 fans gathered outside the Team hotel at Dona Paula and lined up with their flags and jersey's following all the SOP's of the present times. After waving off the FC Goa team bus we followed them all the way to the Stadium and cheered them inside the Gate 1,” said Omi, member of the FC Goa fan club.
“Then everyone proceeded to the FC Goa Official Screening at Quinta-De-Valadares, Verna and Pedro's, Benaulim and enjoyed an exciting match up on the giant screen,” he concluded.
“The Indian Super League have made elaborate arrangements to get the fans closer to the players the most an we are really excited over the arrangement. The 2 LED screens which featured fans from Home and Away will amplify rivalry virtually and it was exciting experience to all of us. Our support for Fc Goa from homes is equally exciting with drum beats and chanting done with our family members expressing our love for Gaurs before TV screens,” ssaid a vivid fan Sidharth Mehta from Navelim.
Physical education teacher and FC Goa fan. Deitan Luis, from Chandor said, “We made arrangements to have small screenings in our village with FC Goa glags being flown to give a football fever look and vibe."
The COVID might have stopped the fans from entering the stadium, but the pandemic couldn’t dampen the spirit of the die-hard FC Goa fans.
