Former club head coach, Philippe De Ridder has extended his support to the supporters following the protests by East Bengal fans and the successive violence that occurred on July 21.
He said, “East Bengal fans are tired of the actual football club situation. I saw some of my good and honest pationed friends in this video being arrested. They do not deserve this.
Why is there no attempt from actual management to find the right words and do some concrete positive actions before it all degenerates?
Police is doing its duty but why? These are football fans loving their club.
Remember football fans are why football club exist. Don’t treat them bad.
Change is perpetual. Everyone try to do his best but results in a club like East Bengal, a fan base club, is really important. Just like it is for Mohun Bagan football club.
A change is needed after 15 years of trying as best as possible, with lots of mistakes. I do not throw a stone to actual management but isn’t it time to let other people try their best to level the club where it should be?
There are better people out there, even some good people in the actual configuration, they just need to be given different responsibilities that is more in equation with their best capabilities. With all respect.
Other leaders are needed. Please, understand the reason why a change is needed. It’s for a betterment of the club and these millions of people that have the club East Bengal in their heart.
I saw my friend Rabi Shankar Sen being arrested. It’s not right. He is the voice of thousands of fans but not a criminal.
My support goes to him, respecting all what’s going around.
Remember, change is perpetual, do it with honor and respect.
These words, honor – respect, that have been forgotten so many times, if you really think about it. Please, protect your fans, not the opposite.”
With love,
Philippe Indi de Ridder
Heartfelt thanks to our most beloved coach.
