Kolkata Derby: The Mariners present East Bengal a walkover at the Kalyani Stadium, by failing to make an appearance for the match

Drama is what has defined the Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in the past, and drama is what keeps the rivalry between the two among the fiercest in the world, let alone in the country.

Mohun Bagan’s Calcutta Football League (CFL) tie against Tollygunge Agragami was the instigator in a series of events over the past ten days that have turned out to benefit East Bengal in more than one way, and have led The Red & Gold Brigade to gain a walkover and post the decision of the Match Officials, lift an unprecedented seventh consecutive CFL title.

While the circumstances that may lead them to the title have not been ideal, East Bengal would be rejoicing over the fact that it was their bitter rivals Mohun Bagan, who were under the cosh that may result in them lifting the coveted trophy.

Mohun Bagan had started an exchange of letters with the Indian Football Association (IFA), over the postponement of the Derby match from 7th September, 2016 to a later date. Their major concern at first was the match being played at the Kalyani Stadium, which in Mohun Bagan’s view lacked enough seating for the club’s representatives and fans.

The four thousand tickets allotted to either club, was further reduced to two thousand; along with IFA deciding to build a temporary stand to accommodate the fans. The representatives of Mohun Bagan did not like the idea, as the structure did not get a fitness certificate from the Public Works Department (PWD) and was considered hazardous in the opinion of Mohun Bagan.

So, on the club’s request, the IFA contemplated on playing at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium or any other stadium for that matter. The VYBK, which is currently under renovation for the U-17 World Cup next year, wasn’t available until next year; while, the other playing options were dismissed due to concerns over security and supporters’ agitation.

The IFA offered another one thousand tickets to Mohun Bagan to make up for the lack of seating arrangement, which the Mariners claimed to be an “arbitrary” and “whimsical” decision on the IFA’s part and rejected the offer.

The IFA was also firm on its stand that the date of the match was announced a couple weeks before, but Mohun Bagan’s incessant complaints in regards to the fixture and the venue, led the Mariners to not appearing for the match altogether, giving the three points and the walkover to East Bengal.

This is not the first time, a team was given a walkover between the two rivals. It’s a history of matches that keeps the rivalry between the two alive. The following are some of the other examples of the past: