Durand Cup 2024: Kolkata Derby cancelled due to lack of police protection
The historic meeting between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in Durand Cup had to be called off amidst tension.
The 399th showdown between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Durand Cup 2024 has been called off due to the West Bengal government’s apprehensions regarding potentially tense situations in the state on the fixture day. After a meeting between Durand Cup authorities and government officials, including the West Bengal Police, it was decided that the game would be canceled.
While it would have been a decisive match, the Durand Cup committee has decided to award both teams a point given the tender situation. There is no time for the game to be postponed and held later; hence, such a step has been taken. All matches in the state might also be canceled, as there is a possibility of disruption of peace.
An official announcement regarding the same is pending, but it has been confirmed that the game shall not be prioritized over the safety of citizens, players and other staff involved. Fearing turmoil, authorities have taken the best step possible by calling off sporting events till further notice.
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan were tied on points at the top of their group, but the Mariners were ahead on goal-difference. With the current state of things, Jose Molina’s men will qualify for the knockout rounds of the Durand Cup based on the same. Carles Cuadrat‘s men will be disheartened at such a turn of events, but at the same time will also be sympathetic toward the humanitarian issue.
East Bengal will need to wait for other games and can still qualify as the second best team from the group. The cost of the tickets for the Kolkata Derby will be refunded. Official communication on refunds is yet to come.
West Bengal has been shaken by the gruesome rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical Hospital a few days ago. Citywide protests and mass unrest have ensued since then, creating an uneasy atmosphere all over the state.
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