Can’t believe they would do this: Raphael Augusto on Chennaiyin FC fans’ controversial banner

Bengaluru FC midfielder Raphael Augusto was miffed after a group of fans displayed a banner of him portrayed as a snake. The incident took place when defending champions Bengaluru FC took on two-times ISL winners Chennaiyin FC at home on Sunday.

Raphael Augusto was miffed after a group of fans displayed a banner of him portrayed as a snake. (Source: ISL)

Bengaluru FC midfielder Raphael Augusto was miffed after a group of fans from his former team, Chennayin FC, displayed a banner in which he was portrayed as a snake. The incident took place when defending champions Bengaluru FC took on two-time ISL winners Chennaiyin FC at home Sunday.

The Brazilian in a series of tweets on Monday slammed the fans, saying that his departure from Chennaiyin FC was one of the toughest moments of his career. He said it was difficult to stomach such disrespect from the Chennai team’s supporters.

“When my departure from Chennaiyin FC was announced, I decided to keep the truth to myself but I cannot do that anymore. When I left CFC, I decided not to talk about the fact that I was sad. It was among the hardest moments of my life and career,” he tweeted.

When my departure from Chennaiyin FC was announced, I decided to keep the truth to myself but I cannot do that anymore. When I left CFC, I decided not to talk about the fact that I was sad. It was among the hardest moments of my life and career.

— Raphael Augusto Santos (@Raphael_A12) November 11, 2019

“But I had decided that I would be quiet and that I would keep my respect for the club and its fans. But I read that I had ‘decided to leave’, that I was a ‘snake’. Only God knows how difficult it was to read these things,” he said.

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During the clash against Chennaiyin, which Bengaluru won 3-0, Augusto’s teammate pointed out the banner to him.

I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that they would do something like this with me. Yesterday, when I was on the pitch, my teammates showed me that banner. They couldn’t believe it, but I was not shocked anymore. I was just upset that something like this could happen.

— Raphael Augusto Santos (@Raphael_A12) November 11, 2019

The Brazilian said that despite leading Chennai to two ISL glory in 2015-16 and 2017-18, he didn’t expect such backlash.

I once read that whatever love we have, we must give. So that’s why, last night, when they were shouting bad things at me, I gave my love to them.

— Raphael Augusto Santos (@Raphael_A12) November 11, 2019

“I gave my heart and soul to Chennaiyin FC and I helped them fight to two titles during my time there. That they could do something like that to me, was for me, really upsetting.”

“I once read that whatever love we have, we must give. So that’s why, last night, when they were shouting bad things at me, I gave my love to them.”

The 3-0 win against Chennai on Sunday was Bengaluru’s first victory in the ongoing ISL campaign. They will now lock horns against Kerala Blasters at home on 23 November following the international break.