The highly anticipated Durand Cup derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Emami East Bengal, which was scheduled to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium this Sunday, has been abruptly called off. The decision came amidst escalating unrest following the horrific crime committed against a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. This incident has sparked a series of protests throughout Kolkata, compelling the authorities to take action.
The cancellation was confirmed after a crucial meeting between the Kolkata Police officials and the tournament organizers. The city has been a hotbed of intense demonstrations, primarily driven by the outraged medical community and various civil society groups protesting the alleged rape and murder.
On Saturday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) staged a nationwide 24-hour strike to voice their indignation against the heinous crime. The strike saw massive participation, accentuating the surging discontentment among the populace. With tensions running high, the authorities anticipated a significant turnout of protestors in proximity to the stadium. Estimates suggested that around one lakh people were expected to gather near the 66,000-capacity venue, emphasizing the risk of potential clashes and disorder.
In a formal statement, Durand Cup Media announced, “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 7:00 pm, stands abandoned.” The statement also noted the cancellation of the pre-derby press conference, which was slated for 5:30 pm on August 17, 2024.
Fans who had purchased tickets for the match, both online and offline, will be able to obtain refunds through the tournament’s ticketing partner, Bookmyshow. “The dates and the refund process will be notified within the next two days,” the organizers assured.
The match’s abandonment has left a significant impact on the tournament’s progress, especially since this derby was the season’s first and the concluding league match of the event. Currently, Mohun Bagan leads in the standings on goal difference over East Bengal, with both teams having secured six points each.
. The ruling on how the points from this match will be allocated remains with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), who will make the final decision.
It remains uncertain whether the knockout stage matches and the grand finale, scheduled to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 31, will need to be relocated due to the volatile situation in the city.
Despite the cancellation, fan clubs from both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have shown solidarity in their resolve to hold protests for justice. A poster jointly issued by the fan clubs boldly read, “Sarkar maath atakale amra raasta atkabo (If the government stops us to enter the stadium, we will block the roads).”
The president of the Mariners’ Base Camp — Ultras Mohun Bagan, Prasenjit Sarkar, denounced the government’s decision to call off the derby. “The government’s action has shown a desire to impose an autocratic rule, and we cannot stand by it silently,” he expressed. He described the situation as a ‘Black Day’ for Kolkata Maidan and emphasized that fans from both clubs would unite for the common cause of securing justice for the RG Kar victim.
Sarkar further stated, “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.”
Echoing these sentiments, Rabi Shankar Sen from ‘East Bengal the Real Power’ affirmed that a large number of their supporters would gather in front of the stadium’s VIP gate, standing in solidarity for justice.
The government’s intervention in canceling the derby has sparked a broader conversation about the intertwining of politics and sports. Despite the turbulent circumstances, the fan clubs insist that their peaceful protests will amplify the call for justice and ensure that the victim’s voice is not lost amidst the chaos. The city of Kolkata, known for its vibrant football culture, now finds itself at the intersection of sport and social justice, demonstrating the profound impact of the RG Kar incident on the community.
