KOLKATA: The Durand Cup match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal scheduled to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Sunday has been cancelled due to the prevailing unrest in the city. The decision was taken after a meeting between Kolkata police officials and tournament organisers. “Both teams will be awarded one point each while fans will get full refund for the tickets they have purchased,” an official told PTI. It has also been learnt that all the Durand Cup matches scheduled to be held in Kolkata may be shifted to Jamshedpur.
However, an official statement is awaited in this case. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was found on August 9, after which there have been widespread protests. The Indian Medical Association has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike on Saturday to protest the alleged rape and murder of its colleague. About one lakh people are expected to gather near the 66,000 capacity stadium after the protest call by both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal Fan Club.
According to a statement issued by the Durand Cup media, “On behalf of the Durand Cup Organizing Committee, you are regretfully informed that the Group A match between Mohun Bagan Supergiants and Emami East Bengal FC to be played at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on 18 August 2024 has been canceled.” According to the tournament’s ticket partner ‘BookMyShow’, all online and offline tickets will be refunded after the match is canceled. It said, “The date and refund process related to this will be notified within the next two days.
