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The 2024–25 Indian Super League final between Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan, held at Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium on April 12, ended in a 2–1 win for the Mariners after extra time, but the game was overshadowed by a dangerous incident involving a firecracker thrown from the stands. Amid the high-intensity clash and a crowd of over 59,000 spectators, the firecracker landed dangerously close to the field of play, raising serious concerns about safety and crowd control during one of Indian football’s biggest nights. While the football on the pitch was competitive and dramatic, the incident marred what should have been a celebration of the sport.
In the days following the final, Bengaluru FC released an official statement condemning the incident in the strongest terms. The club expressed deep concern over the safety risk posed to players, officials, and fans, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter security protocols in stadiums. “The safety of everyone in the stadium must be the highest priority,” the statement read.
Bengaluru FC also called upon tournament organizers and local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take corrective action to prevent such incidents from happening again. The club reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for all stakeholders.
Parth Jindal shares tweet about being hit by these firecrackers
Further highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Parth Jindal, owner of Bengaluru FC, took to social media to share his personal experience. In a tweet posted on April 12, Jindal revealed that he was struck by the firecracker while in the stands supporting his team. His statement added a personal and urgent dimension to the issue, raising questions about stadium security and crowd management at large-scale events in Indian football.
As Bengaluru FC reflects on both the heartbreak of the final and the troubling scenes off the pitch, the focus now turns to ensuring that safety and professionalism are never compromised in the future.
