East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Durand Cup Football Derby Cancelled Due To RG Kar Protests

Although the official confirmation is yet to come, both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are likely to share one point each in Durand Cup.

Kolkata: The much-awaited Kolkata Derby in the ongoing Durand Cup between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant on August 18 has been cancelled keeping in mind the current situation in the City of Joy, according to reports. The decision comes in view of the current situation prevailing in Kolkata following the rape and murder of an intern doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Although the official communication is yet to come, but points will likely be shared between both teams. The cost of tickets will be fully refunded.

The situation came to the fore after a 31-year-old trainee doctor’s dead body was found on August 9 inside the premises. Although it was expected, she had committed suicide initially, the post-mortem report suggested she was raped and killed. Since then, the city witnessed massive protests, that have escalated to other cities in India. As a result, security is one of the concerns that might have played a part in the organiser’s minds. On Saturday, the Indian Medical Association called for a 24-hour nationwide strike to protest the rape and murder of their colleague.

“There are multiple options that the tournament committee is looking at. Jamshedpur is an option but there might be logistical issues. But nothing is confirmed at the moment and we are looking for the best solution,” a source was quoted as saying to Sportstar. It is also learnt that all the Durand Cup matches slated in Kolkata could be shifted to Jamshedpur.

As far as both teams are concerned in the Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan have already advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament. However, this cancellation will definitely hurt East Bengal as they are currently second in the list of second-best teams. For the quarterfinals, six group-toppers and two second-best teams will make the cut. FC Goa play Shillong Lajong on Saturday and if the Goan team win, they will surpass East Bengal to make the knockouts.