When FIFA World Cup fever turns violent

Football as a sport has had a significant following in Bangladesh since the 60s. The craze for the sport reaches its peak especially during the FIFA World Cup tournament. The World Cup 2018 being held at Russia has already been the centre of attention for such fans in Bangladesh. But some fans are going overboard with the love and passion for the teams they support.

At the beginning of June, even before the tournament began, there were reports of several clashes between supporters of different teams in different parts of Bangladesh. During the past week, another clash in Khulna between supporters of Brazil and Argentina left a couple severely injured. The conflict between the supporters of the two teams in Mashsherpara took a violent turn after Brazil supporters retaliated following ridicule from Argentina supporters, after Brazil could not win their first match. The clash left Argentina supporter Shukur Hawlader and his wife Minu critically injured and forced victims' relatives to file a case at local police station. It is best for fans of the sport not to react in such a violent manner. After all, football is a sport where win and loss make it attractive.

Priyo Ahmed

Indira Road, Dhaka