Scenes of absolute pandemonium erupted at Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Thursday (May 21), as thousands of ecstatic East Bengal FC fans stormed the pitch following their team’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi, which secured the 2025-26 ISL title.
The emotional pitch invasion prevented the players from lifting the trophy inside the ground, turning a historic moment into one of chaos and raw passion.
After Captain Mohammed Rashid’s 73rd-minute winner completed a thrilling comeback from 1-0 down, the modest stadium exploded in celebration. Supporters breached the security cordon and flooded the playing field, hugging players, waving massive red-and-gold flags, and chanting in unison. Youssef Ezzejjari and other players were mobbed and lifted by fans in pure jubilation. The official trophy presentation had to be delayed and reportedly shifted to a safer location as the pitch turned into a sea of celebrating supporters.
This was more than just a title win — it was the end of a 22-year major trophy drought for one of India’s biggest clubs. The outpouring of emotion was inevitable, yet completely avoidable had proper crowd management been in place.
The authorities announced and urged the fans to clear the ground, but it was not to be. The ISL podium was planted, but the glitters and pyrotechnics kissed the fans as the players lifted the trophy from the balcony.
The chaotic scenes raise questions about the preparedness of the match organisers, ISL authorities, and stadium management, who gave in and awarded the trophy at the balcony, amidst the roar of thousands of fans inside the ground.
While the passion of East Bengal fans is legendary and their joy understandable after years of waiting, player safety and match protocol should never be compromised. The invasion, though celebratory, exposed glaring lapses in planning and execution by the authorities responsible for the event.
East Bengal finished the season with 26 points and a superior goal difference to claim their maiden ISL title.
Story first published: Friday, May 22, 2026, 8:35 [IST]
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