Cancelled Durand Cup Derby Sparks Protest in Kolkata

The Durand Cup derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, scheduled for Sunday at the Salt Lake Stadium, has been called off due to city unrest. Widespread protests erupted after the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor. Fans plan to unite in protest despite the cancellation.

The Durand Cup derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, scheduled at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Sunday, has been canceled due to the prevailing unrest in the city.

The decision followed a meeting between Kolkata Police officials and the tournament's organizers.

The city has witnessed widespread protests following the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

On Saturday, the Indian Medical Association called for a 24-hour nationwide strike to protest the heinous crime.

Around one lakh people are expected to gather near the 66,000-capacity stadium, especially after both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fan clubs called for protests.

'On behalf of the Durand Cup Organizing 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,' said a statement from Durand Cup Media.

'The pre-derby press conference scheduled for 5.30 pm today (August 17, 2024) also stands canceled,' it added.

All online and offline tickets will be refunded following the cancellation of the match, according to their ticketing partner, Bookmyshow.

'The dates and the refund process will be notified within the next two days,' it added.

Both teams will be awarded a point each, but the final decision rests with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The fate of the knockout stage matches and the summit clash, scheduled at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 31, remains uncertain.

Despite the cancellation, fans of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have vowed to unite and make their voices heard.