There is no denying that football fans are considered to be on another level with their loyalty to their clubs and players, enthusiastic support, and so much more.
There have even been new reports around the world of how rowdy football fans can get whether their team wins or loses. But during a recent match for the Durand Cup semifinal between East Bengal and NorthEast United FC, the former’s fans allegedly hurled racist and prejudiced slurs and insults towards fans of the latter and even threw slippers and stones.
So bad did the situation get that the Indian Army and the police had to intervene and escort the fans to safety.
What Happened?
It started during the North East United FC and East Bengal FC Durand Cup semifinal match at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati stadium or the Salt Lake stadium on Tuesday that is 29th August 2023.
Although the match itself was a historic one as this was East Bengal’s first Durand Cup final appearance since 2004 and the club actually managed to overturn a two-goal deficit during the last 2 minutes of the match and won 5-3 during penalty all that was overshadowed by what was happening between the fans.
Students and North East United FC fans speaking with the media revealed that they had to be escorted out by the Army and police an hour after the match ended. Even Raja Guha, a member of the working committee of East Bengal Cub stated “I was there on the field yesterday. I did not see anything like this. Players of both teams were cordial. But I will look into the matter.”
A postgraduate student from Darjeeling speaking with The Indian Express said “It all started in the metro, on our way to the stadium. My friends and I were called names like corona and momo by East Bengal supporters. We did not pay much heed to it at the time.”
Another alleged that “There were about 80 to 90 students from the Northeast and Darjeeling who were watching the game from ramp 16. The moment a goal was scored by our team, the crowd started shouting abuses. They called us momo, chowmein, corona and made obscene gestures.”
A student from Kalimpong revealed “There were women students with us too. After the second goal, stones and slippers were pelted at us from above and both sides. Two of the students received minor injuries. We were all scared. Police and Army men cordoned us and we moved under the covered area of the stadium for safety. East Bengal fans kept calling us outside.”
While another said “An hour after the game ended and everyone left the stadium, we were escorted out by the police and Army and taken home. It was just a game. I am not sure whether I will ever go to a football match in Kolkata again.”
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Several clips of this kind were posted online where fans of East Bengal are alleged to be abusing both verbally and physically fans of the visiting team.
NE STUDENTS FACE HORROR IN KOLKATA: East Bengal Fans Abuse, Physically Harm NE Students in – Indian Army had to rescue the NE Students,during the Durand Cup semi-final played at the Salt Lake Stadium, #Kolkata between the #NEUnited & East Bengal. @IndianFootball @BluePilgrims pic.twitter.com/PfSQU86ZtS
— The Darjeeling Chronicle (@TheDarjChron) August 30, 2023
As of yet no official complaint about the reported incident has been filed though.
Reaction From Officials
All India Football Federation (AIFF) secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran has also spoken about this and promised action. He tweeted “Saddened to read this. We will take up this matter. We have a zero tolerance on this. We have to do everything possible to completely eliminate these kinds of issues from Indian football.”
Along with this both the football clubs involved in the match have also condemned whatever happened in official statements.
NEUFC said “NorthEast United FC are deeply disturbed by the recent incident of racism, hooliganism & violence directed towards some of our fans during the Durand Cup semi-final match against East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Tuesday. Racism has no place in football, or in any aspect of life, and we unequivocally condemn such behaviour.
Our fans are an integral part of our team, and we stand united against any form of discrimination. We have already brought this matter to the attention of the tournament organisers, and the local officials.
We’d like to thank the Indian Army and the local police officials for taking swift action against the perpetrators. We are also grateful to them for providing adequate protection to our fans and escorting them to their desired location.”
East Bengal FC also wrote that “East Bengal FC condemns all forms of racism. there is no room for discrimination in football, a sport that unites people.”
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: The Indian Express, Deccan Herald, India Today
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: Durand Cup, NorthEast United fans, NorthEast United, East Bengal FC, East Bengal FC fans, Durand Cup clash, Durand Cup racism, All India Football Federation
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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