Kolkata : The Durand Cup 2024 Kolkata Derby of August 18 between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants is cancelled due to ongoing RG Kar protests and security concerns. It was supposed to be held in Salt Lake Stadium.
Kolkata saw worldwide protests among medical students, youths due to atrocious rape and murder of a PG medical student in RG Kar hospital, Kolkata on August 9, 2024. This led to storms of protests, criticisms of state government and security, education systems in the hospital & the state is seeing protests, vandalism of the hospital on 14-15 August and is still going on.
Due to this, there has been a security concern at Salt Lake Stadium, as tight securities are required in various places of political rallies, protests, and vulnerable places. Thus, there is supposed to be a dearth of security forces in Kolkata’s Salt lake Stadium.
Besides this, a significant number of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal supporters chose to raise their voices together in response to the current situation during the Kolkata derby. They made banners, and some even designed special jerseys featuring slogans related to the issue. Many fans from both teams opted to protest from the stands, with several considering wearing black attire. Reports also claim that the match is cancelled to intentionally suppress the voices.
“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 7.00pm, stands abandoned,” read the statement from the Durand Cup organisers.
It was also announced that the match will be cancelled and the points would be shared between the 2 teams. A reschedule won’t take place.
“Both the teams will be awarded a point each, while the fans will get full refund for the tickets they bought,” an official said.
All Durand Cup matches scheduled in Kolkata might be shifted to Jamshedpur or any places out of Kolkata due to same reasons.
“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”, said an official source.
All the tickets (online and offline) would be refunded to fans, rest of the matches schedule remain same, however, there may be changes in Venues especially of the Kolkata matches.
