Football hooliganism has for long existed in the football frenetic European countries but it has slowly found its place in the history of Malappuram in Kerala with the recent violence and killings in the region.
The beautiful game of football has taken a backseat with the impudent fans stealing the show from players, especially in the unauthorized sevens football tournaments conducted in and around Areekode in Malappuram.
Violence in the name of football took its first toll in 2011 when Fayasi Mohammed’s hand was chopped off in retribution of football violence that happened in 2008 in Vandur near Areekode.
Later on four persons were arrested in Kodinhi near Tirurangadi for stabbing a person during a sevens tournament, in a separate incident.
The present hacking of two people allegedly took place in retribution of the killing of Atheeq Rahman who was stabbed to death following a dispute between two football clubs over conducting a tournament in Kuniyil near Areekode in January, 2012.
Police said the unauthorised football tournaments held in the region cause great problems. “It is a bit difficult to manage the crowd as these tournaments often spiral out of control.
Several incidences of violence have been reported from tournaments held in the region. During the football season, these tournaments are a real headache,” said M.K. Ramesh, SI, Areekode.
“Most players are not registered and there is no one to control the crowd. It is a common sight to see people lock horns with each other after the local sevens tournament,” he said.
Betting is also pointed out as a main spoilsport in these tournaments. “Police has registered cases against gambling in the name of the game.
Every season there are at least three or four registered cases in the area in connection with football violence. Personal vengeance is also said to be one of the reasons behind the soccer violence.”