Kolkata derby controversy: East Bengal declare anomalies in ticket prices will be resolved, but Mohun Bagan threatens boycott
The previous time these two sides faced in a derby was on February 3rd, when both clubs earned a point after the match was drawn.
In response to the pressure, East Bengal declared on Friday that any “discrepancies in ticket pricing” for the high-profile return leg Kolata Derby on Sunday would be “corrected”.
The Green and Maroon brigade called for a boycott because some Mohun Bagan stands cost more than twice as much as East Bengal, the match’s hosts. The prices for East Bengal stands range from Rs 100 to Rs 1000, while those for Mohun Bagan go from Rs 250 to Rs 3000.
“It is unprecedented anywhere in the world that away team fans will have to buy match tickets at a price nearly double that of home team fans…” “This is disgraceful,” Mohun Bagan remarked in a statement.
“We absolutely condemn East Bengal’s unsportsmanlike actions and have chosen not to buy or sell any tickets to the ISL derby match between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal Club. “This communication may be interpreted as an official boycott call from our side for the upcoming derby,” the release stated.
Meanwhile, Debabrata Sarkar, a member of the East Bengal executive committee, described the scenario as “sad” and promised that it would not happen again in the future.
“Ticket pricing is determined by Emami (principal owners)…” It is a tragic circumstance, and we hope it does not happen again in the future. “I’ve spoken with the sports minister, but nothing can be done right now,” Sarkar remarked, as quoted by PTI.
“Any inconsistencies in ticket prices for the derby match (on Sunday) will be addressed immediately. In the future, all guests of this highly anticipated event will be charged the same price,” East Bengal director Sandeep Agarwal, who represents major owners Emami, said in a statement.
The previous time these two sides faced in a derby was on February 3rd, when both clubs earned a point after the match was drawn.
The match was originally set for 7.30pm, but has been rescheduled for 8.30pm due to the Trinamool Congress Brigade Rally that day.
Mohun Bagan is third in the rankings with 33 points from 16 matches, while East Bengal is languishing in the tenth spot after obtaining 18 points from 18 matches.
