Security personnel forcibly removed a fan who had invaded the pitch to meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s star batter, Virat Kohli, during the IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday, March 25.
Following Punjab Kings’ restricted score of 177/6, Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their chase for 178 runs. As Virat Kohli took to the crease, a young fan dashed towards him, falling at his feet and embracing the former RCB captain before being swiftly escorted off the field to prevent further disruption.
Subsequently, a video capturing the incident went viral on social media, depicting the fan enduring physical confrontation from security personnel and bouncers after being removed from the field.
Despite the fan pleading for mercy, police were called to escort him out of the stadium. The incident reportedly occurred on the first floor of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Instances of fans breaching security to meet their favorite cricketers during matches have occurred in the past. However, the aggressive handling of the fan by security personnel was met with criticism on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter).
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) March 27, 2024
Many expressed their disapproval, suggesting that security officials should have handed him over to the police instead of resorting to physical force.