Durand Cup 2024: Match vs Bengal cancelled due to RG tax dispute

Sports: Amid rising tensions in the state over the rape and murder of a medical student at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, the Durand Cup 2024 group stage match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been cancelled, reported Sportstar on August 17. The match was scheduled to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on August 18. Citing protests in Kolkata over the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, the Kolkata Police mentioned that providing extra security for the crucial derby encounter would be a major challenge, the report said. With the situation in Kolkata being tense for the past few days, it is expected that the remaining matches of the 2024 Durand Cup may be shifted to Jamshedpur. “The tournament committee is looking at several options. Jamshedpur is one option, but there may be logistical issues. But nothing has been confirmed at the moment and we are looking for the best solution,” Hindustan Times quoted a source as saying. What happens now that the match is called off? As per the rules, since the match is called off, both teams will share one point each. While this is unlikely to affect Mohun Bagan, the scenario for East Bengal appears uncertain. Looking at the points table, Mohun Bagan have already qualified for the quarterfinal round of the tournament and they are at the top of Group A with 7 points and +7 points on goal difference – goals scored minus goals conceded. They have won all two matches and the third one was called off. On the other hand, East Bengal also have 7 points from three matches, however, their GD is only +4. The match, which began on July 27 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, also known as Salt Lake Stadium, will end on August 31 at the same venue.