The much-awaited Durand Cup Bengal derby at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium stands cancelled in the backdrop of the ongoing protests in the city, organisers said. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal were scheduled to meet for the mouthwatering encounter on Sunday.
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The two football giants will share a point each, while the fans who booked tickets for the match will get a full refund, a Durand Cup official was quoted as telling news agency PTI. The organisers decided to cancel the Mohun Bagan-East Bengal contest after holding talks with the Kolkata Police as Kolkata remains tense over the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital.
"On behalf of the Durand Cup Organising 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 7.00pm, stands abandoned," said a statement from Durand Cup Media.
"The Pre-derby press conference scheduled for 5.30pm today (August 17, 2024) also stands cancelled," it added.
Confirming the refunding scenario, online ticket booking partner Bookmyshow said, "The dates and the refund process will be notified within the next two days."
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the organisers may shift the ongoing tournament out of Kolkata due to the unrest. Jamshedpur is a frontrunner to become the tournament host, media reports stated.
Kolkata 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. A group of vandals even targeted the hospital amidst the protests.
Medical fraternity across India is on the warpath demanding justice for their late colleague. Resident doctors from all major hospitals in Delhi have been protesting, taking out marches and holding candlelight vigils.
