NorthEast United issue statement about Tuesday's incidents at Salt Lake Stadium

East Bengal’s semi-final win was marred by claims of a violent assault on NorthEast United FC fans.

In the semi-final match of the 132nd Durand Cup, which took place on Tuesday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where East Bengal overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat NorthEast United FC 5-3 on penalties and earn a spot in the final, a shameful incident took place.

East Bengal FC were thrown into disarray as news spread of a violent assault on NorthEast United FC fans. Fans of NorthEast United FC said that during the incident, which took place immediately after East Bengal FC won the semi-final, fans of the Red & Gold brigade threw things at them and shouted them racist slurs. The incident took place directly after the game.

Official statement from NorthEast United FC

According to multiple reports, the wave of violence is believed to have started with racial comments. The military presence who were at the game helped the NEUFC fans to exit the field soon after situations were being heated up.

Here’s what the club said in their official statement regarding the matter.

“NorthEast United FC are deeply disturbed by the recent incident of racism, hooliganism & violence directed towards some of our fans during the Durand Cup semi-final match against East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Tuesday. Racism has no place in football, or in any aspect of life, and we unequivocally condemn such behaviour.”

“Our fans are an integral part of our team, and we stand united against any form of discrimination.” “We’d like to thank the Indian Army and the local police officials for taking swift action against the perpetrators. We are also grateful to them for providing adequate protection to our fans and escorting them to their desired location.”

“NorthEast United FC is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of their background. To our fans, we want you to know that we stand by you. Your passion and unwavering support makes our club special, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that you can enjoy our matches without fear of discrimination.”

Our statement about Tuesday's incidents at VYBK.#NEUFC #UnitedAgainstRacism pic.twitter.com/mAUBg6Z6Ve

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 30, 2023

East Bengal fans’ reaction to the matter

After NorthEast United FC’s official statement, a number of East Bengal supporters took to Twitter (X) to discuss what actually happened, pointing out that the acts of both sides—rather than those of any one of them—were what led to the creation of such circumstances.

Here’s what East Bengal fans have tweeted.

Hopefully you guys also give a statement against your own fans for "Bangladeshi" racist slurs 🙂

— Sayak Dipta Dey (@sayakdd28) August 30, 2023

@NEUtdFC great to see it but didn't knowing the fact do not conduct any statement your fans showing us middle finger when 2-0 up if you showing middle finger to home ground club then you think ur fans will gesture by flowers?? At first know the behind the scene then go out .

— Pritam Majumdar (@PritamM84507853) August 30, 2023

Where were you guys when your so called pure innocent fans called east bengal fans "Bangladeshi" ????

— Number 5 (@souvik_stark) August 30, 2023

AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran also tweeted regarding the matter.

Saddened to read this. We will take up this matter. We have a zero tolerance on this. We have to do everything possible to completely eliminate these kinds of issues from Indian Football. https://t.co/v6rNO31i7I

— Shaji Prabhakaran (@Shaji4Football) August 30, 2023

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