Champions again: BFC fans and players come together to bask in the glory, kick off celebrations
THE BOYS IN BLUE have done it. With last night's victory over Salgaocar, Bengaluru FC have become the Champions of India for the second time in 3 seasons. And the festivities in the Garden City have just begun.
Knowing the importance of the game, a massive build-up took place in the days leading up to it. The club called its injured stars Robin Singh and Josh Walker to join them at the Kanteerava Stadium to witness the potentially title-clinching match.
I will be watching 👀 this time from a front row seat at the kanteerva make sure you kill it @bengalurufc @WestBlockBlues surpriiiiiiseeeee😋
— robin singh (@robin_singh_23) April 16, 2016
The BFC faithfuls had done their homework as well, and the gates of the Kanteerava were abuzz with their songs and chants from early afternoon; a craze that made the IPL match taking place at the Chinnaswami Stadium taking place at a stone's throw from the stadium seem pale in comparison.
Both match days #Rcb and #bfc but This is bengaluru !!#bengaluru is blue not red today !!! #alloffblueon #champions pic.twitter.com/JojzyhNHNx
— vinod_selpol (@vinodbleedblue) April 17, 2016
When the time of the match came the arena was packed so tight that at the West Block A, the home of the Blues' most hardcore supporters, all the seats were taken and people had to resort to watching the game standing.
The West black was so packed last night that folks had to stand and watch the game. @bengalurufc @WestBlockBlues pic.twitter.com/athZ93CUBU
— GunnerBang (@vinbhak) April 18, 2016
Just before the game began the West Block Blues unveiled a special banner that stated, in simple but invigorating words, what the fans wanted the Bengaluru FC players to do.
The match, of course, resulted in a 2-0 win that sealed the championship for Bengaluru FC. The whole stadium erupted and the celebrations began on the pitch to mark this historic night when Bengaluru FC lay last season's blues to rest, marking yet another glorious chapter in their short but remarkable history.
Thank GOD 🙏, Champion of India I league 2015-2016, amazing Fans @WestBlockBlues @WestBlockA pic.twitter.com/QPwxTWDVip
— Lalchhuanmawia Fanai (@Chhuantea_Fanai) April 17, 2016
The players celebrated with Curtis Osano leading them to a special champions' dance. Blue and white confetti covered the sky as the team got together to cherish the moment.
RT if you've woken up feeling like an absolute CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/0o8iuKg542
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) April 18, 2016
Many of the players also took to social media to share their feelings about the triumph with their fans.
Well done @bengalurufc last night for being champions and @ckvineeth screw you for getting me all sweaty n dirty 😂🙈 pic.twitter.com/70rAntvYYf
— robin singh (@robin_singh_23) April 18, 2016
To all our brilliant fans,sorry I could t meet you guys as I would have liked to.This party will go on - you and us. We!BFC!
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) April 17, 2016
Ladies and gentlemen of Bangalore I give to you! The I LEAGUE title, ⚽️🏆⚽️🏆⚽️🏆👊🏿💪🏿
— Curtisosano (@curtisosano) April 17, 2016
The fans and players carried on the celebrations after that, converging in a pub where the assembled enthusiasts were treated to something rare and special: head coach Ashley Westwood singing "Wonderwall" on karaoke:
The gaffer giving the lads a rendition of 'Wonderwall' as the celebrations roll on! #ChampionsOfIndia #BFC pic.twitter.com/PKSPv5VLft
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) April 17, 2016
So earlier today the players and fans got together for a session of drinking and signing at Arbor, the club's official pub.
@bengalurufc at @ArborBrewIndia pic.twitter.com/3ktk5Q7p19
— Arbor Brewing Co. (@ArborBrewIndia) April 18, 2016
The team still has one match left in the league; to be played against Mohun Bagan on Saturday in Siliguri. Before that the players will take a couple of days off before returning to practice.
It will be on Saturday that Bengaluru FC will be officially presented with the I-League trophy. The club is planning an open bus parade in Bangalore when the team comes back from Siliguri with the trophy.
