Kerala   

Football craze keeps the police on their toes

The World Cup fever has given anxious moments to the police, writes Biju Govind

Soccer wars are fought on the football fields of Germany. But the spirit of the game, like elsewhere in the world, also reverberates in the two districts of Kozhikode and Malappuram. No other sport evokes as much enthusiasm in these districts of North Kerala.

The football fever has prompted the police to keep a tab on fans taking to the streets. With the favourite Latin American teams, Argentina and Brazil, crashing out, the police have heaved a sigh of relief. "Initially, we had apprehensions seeing the euphoric crowds on motorcycles and billboards of players cropping up at junctions," said H. Venkatesh, Kozhikode City Police Commissioner.

Both these teams and their leading stars had a legion of fans among the football lovers of Kozhikode and Malappuram.

Mr. Venkatesh said special patrolling was being carried out during nights since the start of the competition on June 6. He said police personnel were still posted at the Indoor Stadium where live matches were beamed on a screen through liquid crystal display projector. This was done following requests from District Collector Rachna Shah, he said.

Clubs and public places where giant screens have been installed are also under surveillance. "So far, there has not been any case regarding disruption of peace. Celebrations have been permitted to a limited extent, " Mr. Venkatesh said.

Last week, the police were extra vigilant during the semi-finals. Precautions were taken to prevent any untoward incident such as damaging public property. "As the favourite teams are out of the World Cup, we do not expect trouble anymore. But the existing measures will continue on Saturday and Sunday during the losers final and final, " he said.

No major incident was reported from neighbouring Malappuram where football is played in every nook and corner of the district. However, Tirurangadi police have registered a case of trespassing against some people on the day of the match between France and Brazil. Local football fans barged into the office of the Kerala State Electricity Board after a series of power failures during the 90-minute match.

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