I-League 2017-18: Mohun Bagan supporters to don 20000 Sony Norde masks in Kolkata derby

The Marines' fans have come together to show their support for the recently released fan favourite....

When lock horns with their fierce rivals in the Kolkata derby at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium on Sunday, they will be met by over 20,000 supporters donning the mask of Sony Norde.

The Haitian international had his contract with Mohun Bagan terminated by mutual consent just days ahead of the much-anticipated derby following a long-term injury.

A fan favourite and skipper of the club, Norde made his last appearance for the Mariners against when Sanjoy Sen was still managing the Koklata giants.

Several Mohun Bagan fan forums have come together in the past 12 hours to show their unconditional love and support for their departing hero and come Sunday, Norde’s face will be plastered over their faces as they take in the atmosphere of the historic derby.

The Mariners’ Base Camp Facebook page posted images of the masks being printed with a caption saying “When it’s about Mohun Bagan, the word ‘Impossible’ doesn’t exist in our dictionary. Rivals, you’re going to face 20,000 Sony Nordes tomorrow.”

Norde had injured his knee in Bagan’s third-round clash against . While initial consultations had suggested that the Haitian would not need to go under the knife, it later emerged that Norde’s left meniscus will be needed to be operated on, ruling him out for at least six-to-eight weeks.

Following this, the club and player had agreed to mutually terminate the latter’s contract.