KOLKATA: For the first time in 31 years Kolkata Derby witnessed walkover, when Mohun Bagan did not fielded their team against East Bengal in a CFL tie at Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday.
Since beginning, the match was mired in controversy after a makeshift structure to enhance the capacity to 16000 from 7500, did not meet safety requirements and Mohun Bagan cited a shortfall in the tickets made available to their 6234 club members.
Mohun Bagan further demanded for at least 48 hours of practice at the match venue and stated said they are not turning up at the venue on Wednesday, unless it’s deferred.
However, The Governing Body of West Bengal football was in no mood to defer the match beyond September 7 and informed that the match will take place on it’s slated date, after a meeting held Tuesday afternoon.
Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, remain firm on their stand and stated it won’t be possible for them to play the match if their both demands are not fulfilled.
This led to East Bengal getting a walkover first time since 1985. The Red and Golds players as well as fans arrived at the Stadium with banners and flags in the match, but nowhere were the Mohun Bagan team seen.
