The official fan club of Jamshedpur FC, Red Miners, is demanding a change of the team jersey design and members have launched protests on social media for the same.
Members have pleaded to change the design of the jersey, especially of the white and blue one for away matches.
Jamshedpur made their ISL debut in season 2017-18 but is yet to make it to the play-offs. The club, which finished 6th last year, has been making desperate attempts to try and qualify for the play-offs.
Jamshedpur FC has failed to make a new kit, be it home or away, in the last four years. The fans have taken to social media to raise their concerns, and have started using the hashtags #JFCJerseyChangeKaro and #ChangeTheJersey. The fans have started commenting on the hashtag as a form of protest on the social media platform of Jamshedpur FC and Tata Steel.
ISL clubs like Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC and more, launch new kits every year with a different concept, and approach.
There are around 2,000 members on the Red Miners rolls while as many are from Bangalore, Bhubaneswar and Calcutta.
Jamshedpur FC will assemble in Goa for the pre-seasons by October 2. The cash-rich ISL begins on November 19.
The Tata Steel-owned club since its inception has had the same jersey. The home kit is red with dark blue sleeves and features tribal art and symbols as a tribute to the rich tribal history of Jharkhand, the state to which the club belongs. The away colors have been white with sky blue sleeves, and the same tribal symbols.
Sunil Mishra, a member of Red Miners, said a jersey represents the club, the people, the fans and the city. ""Most fans of every club look forward to having a new jersey before every season but JFC have so far done the opposite. We wish our demand is fulfilled," he added.
"We have been asking the club for a new jersey since the last two seasons. We started the protest a few days back when we realised our request had no takers," said Sheikh Imran, another member.
Utsab Ghosh, a die-hard fan of the club, said they were united when it came to request for a new jersey. ""Digital protest is an apt idea to show our unity. A jersey might change the fortunes of the club and provide a fresh look to it," he added.
