Kolkata Derby Cancelled Amid Controversy

Sayak Banerjee / 17-08-2024

Sunday’s much-anticipated Durand Cup Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan has been cancelled. Both teams will receive one point each as a result. Despite the cancellation, the group standings ensure that both clubs advance to the quarterfinals.

Speculation had been rife for two days about the match’s potential cancellation due to the RG Kar Hospital incident. On Saturday, a meeting between Durand Cup organizers and Bidhannagar Commissionerate police officials confirmed the decision. The police cited limited personnel availability, as forces were deployed elsewhere due to ongoing unrest in the city.

Reports suggest fans had planned banners and tifos protesting the hospital incident, with messages like “We Want Justice.” Police feared such displays might escalate tensions. Consequently, the authorities opposed holding the match.

Tickets for the derby had already gone on sale, but the organizers decided to shift all remaining matches out of Kolkata, likely to Jamshedpur.