EXPLAINED: Why did Mohun Bagan ask its fans to boycott upcoming Kolkata derby against East Bengal?

The hotly anticipated Kolkata derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant took a controversial turn on Thursday when the Green and Maroon club asked its fans to boycott the return leg Indian Super League match due disparity in ticket pricing.

The Green and Maroon brigade called for a boycott due to the fact that some Mohun Bagan stands cost more than double the price of East Bengal who are the hosts of the match. The prices range from Rs 100 to Rs 1000 for East Bengal stands, while in case of Mohun Bagan it varies 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 which is almost double than that of the home team fans… This is shameful,” Mohun Bagan said in a statement.

Press Release.#MohunBagan #Mariners #MBAC #MohunBaganAthleticClub #JoyMohunBagan #PressRelease pic.twitter.com/FioN2Lmnda

— Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) March 7, 2024

“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 release added.

Meanwhile, East Bengal executive committee member Debabrata Sarkar termed the situation “sad” and said in future they would ensure it does not happen.

“The ticket pricings are done by Emami (principal owners)… It is a sad situation and hope that it’s not happened in future. I’ve spoken to the sports minister but as of now nothing can be done,” Sarkar said as quoted by PTI.

The last time these two sides met in a derby was on 3rd February when both the clubs came away with a point