Real Kashmir FC Friday alleged they were hurled abuses and manhandled by officials of Gokulam Kerala, who "deprived" the visitors of training facilities ahead of their I-League game in Kozhikode.
Lying third after a sensational start to their maiden season in top-flight, Real Kashmir are scheduled to face seventh-placed Gokulam Kerala at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Saturday. Real Kashmir even threatened to pull out of the game if they are not provided police protection.
On their part, Gokulam Kerala FC issued a clarification and alleged poor and irresponsible behaviour by Real Kashmir FC.
The visiting Real Kashmir too issued a statement, giving the sequence of events.
"An unfortunate incident happened today morning in Kozhikode in Kerala when the coach and other members of RKFC were abused and heckled by officials of Gokulam Kerala FC," the Kashmir club said in a statement.
"As per protocol, the home team is supposed to provide a ground two days ahead of the main game for practice. However, RKFC was deprived of that. This morning no transport was provided to ferry the team from hotel to the ground and when they managed to reach themselves, the home team officials prevented physically from entering the ground," it added in the statement.
More From This Section
Real Kashmir go into the match after a thumping 6-1 win against Shillong Lajong at home.
They further said, "Abuses were hurled at the team members including their coach and finally the RKFC members were asked to leave the ground and stay indoors till the match tomorrow with Gokulam Kerala FC.
"There was no team bus, no proper training ground was provided by the host Gokulam Kerala FC, which is a mandatory requirement as per the guidelines of the I-League."