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ISL 2024: Why angry Mohun Bagan wants to boycott Kolkata derby against East Bengal

ISL 2024: The Kolkata derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant is perhaps the most intriguing match in Indian football history because of its intense on-field rivalry and illustrious background. The bitter rivals, each with a rich history, will square off in a much anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Sunday at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium.

The two teams got engaged in a heated off-the-field altercation ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) return leg derby `between the two teams. It has been reported that Mohun Bagan’s supporters have requested a boycott of the derby because of the increased cost of tickets.

Also Read: Jhulan Goswami feels Kolkata Derby is of next level

The request was made in response to reports that some Mohun Bagan stands are more than twice as expensive as those of its bitter rivals East Bengal, who will also be hosting the ISL return leg match.

According to media reports, tickets for the hosts cost between Rs 100 and Rs 1000, while those for Mohun Bagan cost between Rs 250 and Rs 3000.

The Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is a prime attraction of the ISL

“It is unprecedented anywhere in the world that away team fans will have to buy match tickets at a price which is almost double than that of the home team fans… This is shameful,” Mohun Bagan said in a statement on social media platform X.

“Under the circumstances, we unequivocally condemn the unsportsmanlike behaviour of East Bengal and have decided that we will neither buy nor sell any tickets of the derby match of ISL between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal Club. This communication may be treated as an official boycott call of the upcoming derby from our side,” the statement added.

Debabrata Sarkar, a member of the East Bengal executive committee, described the scenario as “sad” and stated that they would make sure something similar never happened again.
Originally set to begin at 7.30 p.m., the derby was eventually moved to 8.30 p.m. When the two teams played each other on February 3, the result of the match was 2-2. Mohun Bagan is comfortably positioned in third place in the ISL rankings, while East Bengal is still fighting for a spot in the playoffs.