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Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup tie to take place behind closed doors

Bengaluru FC took the decision after consultation with the Bengaluru Police, AFC and AIFF.

Bengaluru: The AFC Cup quarterfinal between Bengaluru FC and Singapore's Tampines Rovers will be played behind closed doors here on Wednesday after incidents of street violence and vandalism in the city owing to the Cauvery water dispute.

Bengaluru FC took the decision after consultation with the Bengaluru Police, AFC and AIFF as tension in the state escalated following the Supreme Court directive to Karnataka to release water from Cauvery to Tamil Nadu.

"The match will now be played behind closed doors, and has been rescheduled to 4 pm. Earlier the match was scheduled for 7 pm start," a BFC official told PTI.

The BFC said in a statement on its website, "It has been a rather delicate 24 hours for the state of Karnataka and specifically, the city of Bengaluru. In the wake of the recent turn of events and after lengthy consultation with the Bengaluru Police, the AFC and the AIFF, we at Bengaluru FC have to take this extreme decision."

The areas falling under Cauvery basin have been witnessing tension and violence with pro-Kannada outfits causing damage to properties and torching Tamil Nadu vehicles.

The official also said fans and media will not be allowed to watch the match due to security reasons.

"We always thrive on the support that our passionate home fans bring to the stands, and as much as we will be handicapped by your absence, your safety and security will always mean more to us than everything else," the statement said.

Commenting on the match, incumbent BFC manager Albert Roca expressed his disappointment saying it was an unfortunate development, but pledged to put up a good show.

"It is unfortunate that we will not have our fans. It's a real shame but we need to accept it and put on a good performance. I have spoken to the players, and it won't be an excuse. Everyone wants to play with support but we will try to do our best," he said.

( Source : PTI )
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