East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Derby Cancelled Due To Security Issues Amid Protests Over Doctor’s Rape-Murder In Kolkata

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant Kolkata Derby In the Durand Cup Match has been cancelled amid protests over doctor’s rape-murder in the city. The police cited providing secruity as a challenge.

The much-anticipated East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant Kolkata Derby in the Durand Cup group-stage fixture stands cancelled due to the potential security issues amid protests over a doctor's rape-murder in the city. The match was originally scheduled to be played on Sunday (August 8) at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan- the Salt Lake Stadium.

Notably, Kolkata is witnessesing massive protests over the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and the police has cited providing security for the high-voltage match as a massive challenge, given the tensed circumstances. The situation has forced the Durand Cup organising committee to abandon the match.

"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," an official media release from the tournament committee read.

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Both Teams Set To Get A Point Each

The cancellation of the match means that both the clubs will be awarded a point. In the context of the tournament though, that shouldn't be much of a problem for Mohun Bagan, who are already through to the quarterfinal of the tournament.

However, the cancellation of the match means East Bengal find themselves in a dangerous position as they are second in Group A and with the tournament format giving the group toppers from each of the six groups and the two best second-placed teams an entry through to the quarters, East Bengal are the second best among the second-placed sides, with their fate depending upon the result of the FC Goa vs Shillong Lajong match.

A win for either of the teams would mean end of the road for East Bengal. However, if the match ends in a draw, it would be Red and Gold Brigade that would forge ahead into the next round of the tournament.