Empty stands are very disappointing for Goan football: Sanjoy Sen

“Last year also there was no crowd in Goa. Actually it is very disappointing because you see that the stadiums are full during the ISL (Indian Super League). Why they are not coming (for the I-League), that only the crowd can answer. It is very disappointing for Goan football actually.

“When we grew up with the flavour of Bengal and Goa, you see that Dempo, Churchill Brothers and all the Goan teams had created so many good players over the years, but I don’t know what happened now,” Sanjoy Sen said ahead of Mohun Bagan's clash against Sporting.

The numbers published at the halfway point of the current season showed that their has been an overall 40% rise in the average attendance at I-League venues across India. In the 2014-15 season, the average attendance across I-League grounds was 6,000, and that number has risen to 8,500 for the current season.

Last season, Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar had average attendance of 834 and 790 respectively. This season, these numbers have increased significantly (Salgaocar 5538, Sporting 2934). however, they still remain one of the lowest in the league. Only new comers DSK Shivajians have recorded lower average attendance than Sporting this season.

Sanjoy Sen has stressed on the importance of supporters on the stand, although he claimed that his team's objective remains the same either way.

“When we played out last match at the Tilak Maidan (against Salgaocar FC on Saturday in Vasco) also, many (Mohun Bagan) fans came from all over to support the team. That’s a very good thing and it also motivates the players. In empty stands also, our only duty is to get as many points as possible. If we can take at least a six-point lead over Bengaluru or East Bengal, then it will be much easier for the coming matches,” he added.