There have been many mixed reactions to FC Goa’s form in the
third season of the ISL, but none more telling than those that unfolded at the
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday, October 30, 2016. The
home side fell once more at the hands of the Delhi Dynamos, leading to their
fifth defeat, and are lying at the bottom of the table with four points from
seven matches.
Before the ball had even hit the back of the net, when the
Delhi side notched the second of the evening, a large section of fans began to
leave the stadium. While many fans are disillusioned with the form, others also
complain that the pricing of tickets, which is higher in Goa, one of the
country’s most football-crazed states, has led to a smaller number of fans
turning up to the games.
This is what a few members of a young Goa had to say
on the current state of affairs:
Although we thought at the beginning that the clean slate
would have us optimistic about wishful wins, this however is not the scenario
we wished for. But this shouldn’t bring us to dust off FC Goa. We should stick
by the side, and maybe not this season, but maybe the next one, we will rise
again to hoist the gaur’s flag, singing aloud! From every Goan’s heart! Like
Zico said “We are still breathing. As long as we are breathing there is
hope!”
– Marilyn Pinto
I only went in for the first match. I didn’t complain about
the prices earlier, until the price comparison from other states where matches
are held showed up. Now I am in two minds whether I should attend the matches
or not. However, the energy in the stadium is addictive. I am not happy with
the current form of the team; however, we all should continue our support as
the team needs it.
– Brijesh Kakodkar
