‘Ambush marketing attempted by vested interests’ – KKR releases official statement on allegations of denying entry to fans against LSG

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released an official statement after allegedly denying entry to fans during the clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday, May 20. For the unversed, the Lucknow-based franchise donned a maroon and green outfit against KKR to pay tribute to the legendary Indian football club - Mohun Bagan.

However, prior to the match, the KKR management denied entry to certain fans who were seen sporting the outfit of the football club. However, KKR has officially released a statement in this regard and stated that they were alarmed by 'ambush marketing by vested interests'.

KolkataKnightRiders@KKRiders

#KKR Official Statement

03:53 PM · May 22, 2023

4.3K521

“There are some misleading reports that are floating around that KKR management stopped some fans from entering Eden Gardens during the KKR vs LSG game on May 20. For the record, KKR management has nothing to do with the crowd management at the stadium,” read the statement.

“We were told that some ambush marketing was attempted by some vested interests, which as per IPL policy was promptly stopped by the IPL Anti-Ambush Marketing Team. KKR is grateful for the great relationship with all its fans in Kolkata and for making every game at Eden Gardens a full house! It has among the largest fan bases of any franchise and would never disrespect anyone,” the statement concluded.

Disrespecting the National Club of India: Mohun Bagan General Secretary

Prior to the official statement by KKR, Mohun Bagan general secretary Debashish Dutta did not mince words in providing his opinion on the matter.

"It was a special match for the supporters of Mohun Bagan because LSG was wearing a new Green and Maroon Jersey, But, the KKR management curtailed the freedom of the Mohun Bagan supporters (who are also fans of KKR and LSG) by not allowing them to enter the stadium as they were wearing the jersey of Mohun Bagan," Debashish Dutta said in a release.

"Mohun Bagan Athletic Club strongly condemns this decision of KKR management or disrespecting the National Club of India and hurting the sentiment of our supporters, it is an individual's right to support and wear the jersey of the team which he/she loves and supports. No one has the right to interfere in one's own choice," he concluded.