Kolkata : Mumbai City FC’s fans humiliated Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte, popularly known as Apuia during Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City clash at Mumbai.
Mumbai’s fans threw cash towards Apuia, who was ex-Mumbai footballer, as he walked towards dressing room.
What triggered Mumbai City FC fans?
The thing that triggered Mumbai’s fans was pre match statement from Apuia himself who acknowledged the club for his success but in a mocking way.
He stated, “They (Mumbai City) helped me a lot to become a better player so that I can help Mohun Bagan now.”
Many Mumbai City fans saw this as implying that their club was merely a stepping stone in his career, fueling frustration and resentment.
The reaction from the fans, throwing cash at him, was seen as a sarcastic way of questioning his loyalty and mocking his words.
He also mentioned after joining Mohun Bagan, “For me, when I was playing for Northeast and Mumbai, there were not much fans. Seeing Mohun Bagan fans, they are large in number and the way they support the players is motivating”.
According to some fans, “The banter aside- Apuia got all the love from Mumbai on and off the field throughout his time here. Apuia got paid one of the highest salaries for a youngster by Mumbai. Apuia got to play 2 ACL seasons with us and be a part of some really positive milestones for Indian football. He got a trial through the club and the management at SK Lommel with the real intent of getting him a chance of seeing his fit there. Mumbai let him go when he said he wanted to activate his release clause without making it difficult for him. His growth as a player here doesn’t even need a separate mention.
It shouldn’t have been difficult for Apuia to AT LEAST not say anything at all or anything good, much less be disrespectful like this. Classless from him, period, and the weird bit is he didn’t ever come across like this until this move. And this recent comment isn’t the only time he’s done it. Should have and could have left things on a good note”.
WATCH
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGqM2ChPBwb/?igsh=MWlmMGk1djV5czlpYw==
In June 2024, Apuia, who played for Mumbai between 2021-24, made one of the highest paid moves to Mohun Bagan from Mumbai for whopping amount of ₹1.6 cr (including all taxes). He also vital part of Mumbai’s ISL League Sheild 2022-23 win.
His transfer was one of the most talked-about moves in Indian football, as he was registered outside the ISL salary cap under the new league guidelines that permit teams to register 2 players beyond the cap.
In yesterday’s highly anticipated encounter between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai, where the incident took place, Mumbai came back from 0-2 behind and tied the match 2-2, living upto the expectations of fans.
Mohun Bagan have already clinched the ISL 2024-25 League Sheild, whereas, Mumbai City are fighting for Playoffs berth.
