The risk for everyone involved was too big.
Bengaluru FC in a statement said, “It has been a rather delicate 24 hours for the state of Karnataka and specifically, the city of Bengaluru. In the wake of the recent turn of events and after lengthy consultation with the Bengaluru Police, the AFC and the AIFF, we at Bengaluru FC have had to take an extremely difficult decision of playing Wednesday’s AFC Cup quarterfinal against Tampines Rovers at the Kanteerava Stadium, behind closed doors.
We always thrive on the support that you – our passionate home fans bring to the stands, and as much as we will be handicapped by your absence, your safety and security will always mean more to us than everything else.
We may not hear you sing but be rest assured; the team will take the pitch knowing that you will be standing up for us, wherever you are. Stay safe and back the Blues.