The Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC in the Durand Cup, scheduled at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday, has been cancelled because of the prevailing unrest in the city.
“On behalf of the Durand Cup Organizing 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,” read the statement from the Durand Cup organisers.
The decision was taken following a meeting between the Kolkata Police officials and organisers of the tournament.
“Both the teams will be 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 has 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.
On Saturday, the Indian Medical Association called for a 24-hour nationwide strike to protest the rape and murder of their colleague.
In the previous edition of the Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan emerged victorious against their arch-rivals East Bengal in the final to lift the trophy, after having suffered a reverse in this very fixture, enabling them to life the trophy a record 17 times – the most in the history of the century-old tournament.
Historically, both these sides have met each other 23 times in the Durand Cup with the ‘Red and Gold Brigade’ having an upper-hand with nine wins going into this match.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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