Mohun Bagan officials announce 'Boycott Call' for upcoming Kolkata Derby

The ticket prices of Mohun Bagan fans are almost double than that of home team East Bengal.

The upcoming Kolkata Derby in the Indian Super League (ISL), a marquee clash in Indian football, has been thrown into disarray with Mohun Bagan Super Giant announcing a boycott call. The reason? Unequal ticket pricing for away fans is implemented by their arch-rivals, East Bengal FC.

Mohun Bagan, in an official statement released on March 7th, 2024, condemned East Bengal’s “disgraceful behavior” of charging away fans nearly double the price compared to the home supporters. This, they claim, is “unprecedented anywhere in the world” and brings “disrepute” to the beautiful game, especially considering the historic rivalry between the two Kolkata clubs.

Expressing solidarity with their fans, Mohun Bagan has announced a complete boycott of the Indian Super League (ISL) derby scheduled for March 10th at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK). This means neither buying nor selling tickets, effectively urging their fanbase to follow suit.

The move highlights a growing concern in Indian football – the disconnect between clubs and their fans. Unequal ticketing structures directly alienate away supporters, impacting the vibrant atmosphere that derbies are known for.

Mohun Bagan’s boycott is a bold statement. It remains to be seen how East Bengal responds and how the ISL management addresses this ticketing disparity. With the Kolkata Derby being one of the most anticipated matches in the league, the boycott threatens to dampen the spirits of fans and cast a shadow over the sport’s image.

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