Guwahati, Sept. 24: Bollywood actor and Indian Super League (ISL) franchise co-owner John Abraham was sent scurrying for cover at a city store today, as the kit-launch ceremony of NorthEast United FC (NUFC) turned chaotic.
Abraham arrived at the Reliance Trends store here with some NUFC players at 11.50am. Shoppers and employees immediately thronged the dais, clicking away with their mobile phones.
Trouble started when it was time for the media interaction. The members of the media could not see the people on the podium because their view was completely obstructed by the crowd.
The media persons took exception to the ambience of the programme, which had already started nearly an hour late. So members of the media decided to boycott the event.
After this decision, an employee of the showroom allegedly misbehaved with a few newsmen in the back rows and that led to a scuffle between the two sides. Later, the employee apologised.
With the situation going out of control, John Abraham cut short the news conference and left the dais.
The team will sport apparel by Performax, a sportswear brand of Reliance Trends, in the second edition of the ISL, starting on October 3.
When asked about the choice of venue for the news conference, NUFC’s contracted public relations firm said it was the club’s decision “because Reliance is the league’s (ISL’s) owner”.
Reliance Trends CEO Akhilesh Prasad was also present at the programme.
The local media here has not been comfortable with NUFC since last year, particularly about the lack of a proper press gallery and other facilities at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here. Organisers had promised the stadium would be upgraded this year, but this hasn’t happened yet.
NUFC players Alen Deuri, Aiborlang Khongjee and Nicolas Velez were present at today’s event along with marquee man Simao Sabrosa and coach Cesar Farias.
After unveiling the kit, Abraham said he had an awesome experience last year and this time the bar had been raised and the players were focused on the competition.
NUFC marquee player Sabrosa, who has represented clubs like FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, said: “I am very happy to join NEUFC and the team is raring to go and win the league.” (See Sport)
