The Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal had to be called off because of Mohun Bagan not turning up for the game due to a tiff with the authorities. Bagan wanted the game to be shifted to two days later as they wanted more time to practice at the venue and they also wanted more tickets for their supporters.
The game was ultimately called off after the referee waited for 30 minutes for the Mohun Bagan team to turn up!
Baichung Bhutia expresses his heartfelt disappointment over the Kolkata derby being called off as he feels it is a big, big setback for Indian football.
“It’s so disappointing not to have the Kolkata derby. It’s not only a bad advertisement for Indian football but also for Kolkata football,” added the city-based football icon.”
“It’s harsh on the fans the most. They wait all year long for the first East Bengal-Mohun Bagan tie of the season and when they are meted out treatment such as this, I feel sad. I really feel bad for the fans”
Bhutia seemed extremely pained by the present situation and hoped that such incidents could be avoided in the future.
“I don’t know whose fault it is. IFA or Mohun Bagan. All I want to say is that this is bad. This should never have happened. I don’t know how things can be bettered. This is indeed appalling.”
The Kolkata Derby is one of the biggest fixtures in the world and it is disappointing that so many fans and players were forced to do away with it this time round.
As a result of Mohun Bagan’s no show, East Bengal were able to get an unassailable lead in the league table and claimed the crown for the 7th successive time.
