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RCB were criticised for sharing a post celebrating their title win after a deadly stampede in Bengaluru.
RCB held a victory celebration in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (AP/PTI)
Hours after a tragic incident in Bengaluru that claimed 11 lives, IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced severe criticism for a social media post. The now-deleted post, which featured a video of fans greeting the team during their victory celebrations, was deemed insensitive by many users.
The caption read, “This welcome is what pure love looks like.” The post was swiftly removed following the backlash.
The incident occurred outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. A large crowd, eager to witness RCB’s IPL victory celebrations, created chaos that tragically resulted in a stampede.
RCB subsequently released a statement expressing their sorrow over the loss of life.
“We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us,” read the statement.
“RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” it added.
RCB’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru followed their first IPL title win against Punjab Kings in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The team was first felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha. They then proceeded to the stadium, where thousands had already assembled for a further ceremony.
Thousands lined the streets to greet the players, and the police reportedly struggled to manage the immense crowd. A planned open-bus parade had already been denied permission.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said, “Crowd was uncontrollable, police was finding it difficult, so we had to stop procession.”
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