The Indian Super League (ISL) match between NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC will be held as per schedule on Wednesday in Guwahati but will be played behind closed doors, Football Sports Development Limited announced in a release on Monday.
Normalcy has slowly returned to the Assam capital following days of unrest owing to the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
Sporting activities took a hit in Guwahati last week after an ISL game and a Ranji Trophy cricket match were suspended on October 12 because of curfew.
NorthEast United’s earlier home match against Chennaiyin FC in Guwahati was postponed after the host city was placed under a curfew following protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
There was doubts over this game as well, but team officials have confirmed that preparations for the match have been going as per plan.
“As of now the match is on, our players are traveling to Guwahati by tomorrow morning flight from Bangalore,” a Bengaluru FC official told PTI.
NorthEast United coach Robert Jarni is set to host his pre-match press conference at 12:30 IST on Tuesday, the ISL have confirmed.
Guwahati had plunged into chaos last week with early protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, forcing the authorities to place the state under curfew on December 11 night.
Assam, the gateway to the northeast, is calm now with curfew relaxed and people going about their lives normally. However, peaceful protests are continuing in Guwahati and other places.
