Bengaluru FC's owner, Parth Jindal, was left shaken and frustrated after being struck by a firecracker while attending the Indian Super League (ISL) final between Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giants on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Jindal, known for his active presence at Bengaluru FC matches over the years, took to social media during the game to express his dismay, highlighting the severe lapse in security during such an important fixture.
In his tweet, Jindal stated, "Have just been hit with a firecracker at the stadium while I’m cheering for my boys Bengaluru FC. Is this the security we can expect in an ISL final in Kolkata?" His message not only reflected his own frustration but also drew attention to the broader issue of crowd control and safety measures at high-profile sporting events. The tweet garnered considerable attention, with fans and followers voicing their concerns over the safety of players, officials, and spectators alike.
Despite the unsettling incident, Jindal continued to cheer for his team, but unfortunately for him and the Bengaluru FC supporters, the final ended in heartbreak. Bengaluru FC were defeated 2-1 in extra time by Mohun Bagan Super Giants, who completed a historic ISL double with the victory. The win added to their earlier achievement of securing the League Winners' Shield during the current season, making them the second team in ISL history to achieve this feat after Mumbai City FC, who managed the same in the 2020–21 season.
The match had a dramatic start, with a goalless first half, but Bengaluru FC took the lead early in the second half when Mohun Bagan’s Alberto RodrÃguez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 49th minute. Bengaluru seemed poised for victory, but Mohun Bagan responded with resilience, and in the 72nd minute, they were awarded a penalty, which Jason Cummings calmly converted to bring the game level.
With the scores tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time, where the tension escalated further. Just six minutes into the extra period, Mohun Bagan's Jamie Maclaren scored the decisive goal, sending the passionate Mohun Bagan supporters into wild celebrations at the Salt Lake Stadium. The stadium erupted with joy as the victory not only handed Mohun Bagan the ISL Cup but also cemented their place in history as one of the most successful teams in the league's history.
This victory marks a new high for Mohun Bagan, and the team's journey throughout the season has been filled with thrilling moments, culminating in this stunning achievement. However, the win was somewhat overshadowed by the security concerns raised by Parth Jindal, which has now become a point of discussion within the football community.
Following the final whistle, Jindal’s tweet about the firecracker incident went viral, drawing mixed reactions. While many sympathized with him, others called for a thorough review of security protocols at major sporting events to ensure that incidents like these do not happen in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of crowd management and the safety of all attendees, including players, coaches, officials, and fans.
As for the game itself, the result was a bitter one for Bengaluru FC, who had fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in the face of a determined Mohun Bagan side. The players, management, and fans of Bengaluru FC will now look ahead to the future, where they hope to build on the positives from the season and come back stronger in the next edition of the ISL.
For Mohun Bagan, the victory was a culmination of hard work and determination throughout the season. The team’s achievement of winning both the ISL Cup and the League Winners' Shield in the same season solidifies their position as one of the most dominant forces in Indian football at the moment. The win is a testament to their ability to perform under pressure, and their supporters will no doubt cherish this historic achievement for years to come.
However, amidst the celebrations, the question of safety at football stadiums, especially in high-stakes games, remains a topic that will continue to be discussed in the aftermath of the final.
