Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Fan Who Hugged Joao Felix at Goa Match Booked; AFC Fine Expected for FC Goa

Police filed an FIR over a restricted-area breach to take a selfie, a lapse FC Goa’s CEO has called a security failure.

Overview

  • The incident took place during an AFC Champions League Two group match at Fatorda, where Al‑Nassr beat FC Goa 2–1.
  • Kerala resident Sahal Gafoor, 27, jumped a fence in the second half to embrace Joao Felix as the forward warmed up.
  • South Goa Police registered an FIR and kept him in custody overnight for formalities before releasing him without a formal arrest.
  • Authorities deleted the selfie from his phone and cited trespass and endangerment under BNS sections 125, 223(3) and 329.
  • The Asian Football Confederation is expected to impose a fine of about USD 10,000 (roughly Rs 8.8 lakh) on FC Goa, following earlier fan-related sanctions in September.