The Durand Cup 2023 Final heat has begun to rise. The dream final pits East Bengal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a thrilling Kolkata Derby. Before Sunday’s grand final, East Bengal expressed its displeasure with the officials.
The club announced at a news conference on Friday that the red-yellow camp is not at all pleased with the refereeing. East Bengal Executive Debbrata Sarkar voiced his rage without mentioning Mohun Bagan.
“A trend is emerging in this Durand Trophy where a particular club is being given an undue advantage. The club was allowed to register four players after the registration deadline. Refereeing errors favoured the team during their quarter-final against Mumbai FC as well as in the semi-final against FC Goa.”
In the semifinal match-up against FC Goa, Mohun Bagan tied the score on penalty. The point of contention is how that punishment was decided. He also added that Mohun Bagan has an unfair advantage in their quarterfinal with Mumbai City FC.
Various media report clippings were displayed at the news conference of East Bengal. The statement made by FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez is particularly noteworthy. After the game on Thursday, Manolo Marquez raged at the officials following contentious referee decisions.
“The FC Goa coach in the post-match press conference said, “Mohun Bagan won the ISL by a controversial penalty against Bengaluru FC, same against Mumbai City FC in Durand Cup and us.” Debabrata said, quoting a well-read Bengali daily.
“I would urge the managing body to see to it that the Durand Cup final is conducted fairly so that the fans can enjoy a good game between two arch-rivals. When the Mumbai City FC team came to practice here, they told us, “We’ll have to think twice before playing in Kolkata again”. All we urge for is a final without bias and refereeing errors. ” the East Bengal person added.
The East Bengal manager also voiced outrage at the tickets in addition to his displeasure with the refereeing. He claimed that the Durand Committee’s tickets weren’t used for the opening derby. They were given the finals ticket for this year. But further reviews of the Durand Cup’s rules are planned. If it is rejected, East Bengal won’t participate in the Durand Cup starting in 2019.
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