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This is an archive article published on April 16, 2007

Maidan goes berserk

When somebody of the stature of Sepp Blatter ambles down the weather-beaten grassy path at the heart of the Maidan grounds...

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When somebody of the stature of Sepp Blatter ambles down the weather-beaten grassy path at the heart of the Maidan grounds, it8217;s only natural to expect plenty of euphoric scenes as well as chaos in the restless melee. So, when the FIFA president dropped in at the premises of Kolkata8217;s big three clubs this morning, plenty of drama, some spectacular, some untoward, unfolded.

8220;Happy New Year to all of you. Enjoy the game, enjoy life,8221; the 71-year-old Blatter said, as he waded through an ocean of football fanatics and went about meeting the officials, past and present players and members of the Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting Club. He wrapped up the trip by garlanding the statue of legendary Indian defender Gostho Pal.

Even as hundreds of fans thronged around, an unpleasant incident partly marred the photo-op session at the Gostho Pal statue stopover. Just as Blatter was preparing to put the garland, the hastily-erected platform for photographers gave way. Chaotic scenes ensued for a few moments, but the situation soon came under control, and no one was injured.

Blatter8217;s first stopover was the Mohun Bagan club, where he arrived accompanied by Union I038;B Minister and AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi and State Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty. Blatter planted a mahogany sapling at a corner of the lawn.

But among the crowd, scores of mediapersons and many veterans were left a displeased lot after being forced into the backdrop by batteries of club officials, who obstructed the view.

Blatter next walked down to the adjacent East Bengal club. After a brief exchange of handshakes and more momentos, he was taken to Mohammedan Sporting Club.

8220;This club is 116 years old, older than even FIFA,8221; Blatter signed off.

 

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