The Durand Cup derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, scheduled at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Sunday, has been cancelled because of the prevailing unrest in the city, sources said.
The decision was taken following a meeting between the Kolkata Police officials and organisers of the tournament.
“Both the teams were awarded a point each, while the fans will get full refund for the tickets they bought,” an official told PTI.
It is also learnt that all the Durand Cup matches slated in Kolkata could be shifted to Jamshedpur. An official communication is awaited.
There have been widespread protests following the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in the city on August 9.
Around one lakh people are expected to gather near the 66,000-capacity stadium, especially after both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fan clubs called for protests.
“On behalf of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, this is to regretfully inform you that the final Group A fixture between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Emami East Bengal FC, scheduled to be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on August 18, 2024 at 7.00pm, stands abandoned,” said a statement from Durand Cup Media.
“The Pre-derby press conference scheduled for 5.30pm today (August 17, 2024) also stands cancelled,” it added.
All online and offline tickets will be refunded following the cancellation of the match, according to their ticketing partner, Bookmyshow.
“The dates and the refund process will be notified within the next two days,” it added.
It is learnt that both the teams will be awarded a point each, but it has to be decided by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the sport’s apex body in the country.
Mohun Bagan SG finished on top on goal difference while both East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG both have seven points each.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play against Punjab FC in the quarterfinal match at JRD Tata Complex Stadium on August 23. IN Group stage they defeated Downtown Heroes 1-0 and Indian Air Force 6-0.
Meanwhile, East Bengal FC will gace Shillong Lajong FC on August 21 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong. The Red & Gold Brigade defeated Indian Air Force and Downtown Heroes 3-1.
Fans to ‘unite for a cause’
Despite the cancellation of the derby match, Mohun Bagan and East Bengals fans clubs have vowed to come together and make “their voices heard”.
“Sarkar maath atakale amra raasta atkabo (If the government stops us to enter the stadium, we will block the roads,” reads a poster jointly issued by Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fan clubs.
Terming this a ‘Black Day’ for Kolkata Maidan, Prasenjit Sarkar, president of the Mariners’ Base Camp — Ultras Mohun Bagan said fans from both the clubs will join together for “one common cause: justice for RG Kar victim”.
“The government has dealt a severe blow to football by calling off the derby. The government’s action has shown a desire to impose an autocratic rule, and we cannot stand by it silently,” Sarkar told PTI.
“Tomorrow, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fans will join for a cause, and no one can stop us from our voices being heard. There will be thousands on the street opposite the stadium.
“Politics should never be allowed in the stadium. This time we will stand up together for a bigger cause.
“Together, with tifos and banners, we will demand justice. They may try to silence us, but we will not let our voices go unheard,” he added.
Rabi Shankar Sen of ‘East Bengal the Real Power’ also said they will come in huge numbers and gather in front of the stadium’s VIP gate.
Courtesy: PTI & Social Media
