Kolkata Derby Cancelled Amid Protest Unrest

The highly anticipated Kolkata Derby in the Durand Cup between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, scheduled for August 18, 2024, was cancelled due to security concerns amid ongoing protests over the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Despite the large police presence, the match was called off as authorities prioritized managing the city's unrest, leading to a joint protest by fans of both teams. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey criticized the decision and opposed relocating the matches to Jamshedpur, asserting that sufficient police presence would have allowed the game to proceed. Both teams were awarded a point each, securing their spots in the quarterfinals. The cancellation has raised questions about the future of other matches in the tournament, with potential venue changes under consideration. Fans are entitled to ticket refunds starting August 19, 2024.