Following their recent Kolkata Derby loss against Mohun Bagan in Guwahati, East Bengal Football Club (EBFC) has voiced strong concerns over what they describe as “unfair and biased refereeing” in the Indian Super League (ISL). In a formal statement, the club decried the treatment as “step-motherly” and announced plans to appeal to Union Sports Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya for intervention.
EBFC cited multiple grievances, including referee Venkatesh R’s controversial decisions. These include denying a legitimate penalty and unfairly issuing midfielder Souvik Chakrabarti a yellow card, which led to his second-half red card and suspension. The club claims such incidents reflect a longstanding pattern of biased officiating against them.
The statement also highlighted a deeper issue of historical bias, with the club still being referred to as a “refugees club” due to its roots among displaced people from East Bengal (now Bangladesh). According to EBFC, this outdated stigma contributes to their marginalisation within Indian football.
“Even after 75 years of independence, East Bengal continues to face victimisation on the field,” the club declared. They pointed out that their rare victories against Mohun Bagan have occurred outside the ISL, such as in the Durand Cup and the Super Cup.
Accusing the ISL of straying from its original “one city, one club” ethos, EBFC reiterated football’s role as a unifier that transcends social divides. The club plans to escalate the matter by seeking a meeting with the Union Sports Minister to demand accountability and reforms in Indian football.
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