Bowing to pressure and boycott threats from Mohun Bagan fans, arch-rivals East Bengal announced on Friday that any “ticket difference” in Sunday’s high-profile Kolata derby return leg would be “corrected”.
The news comes just a day after Mohun Bagan general secretary Debash Dutta called on fans to “formally boycott” citing the difference in ticket prices.
However, the East Bengal management made changes just 48 hours before the match after discussions with state Sports Minister Arup Biswas and recognizing the sentiment among the football community.
“Any discrepancy in ticket prices for Sunday’s derby match will be rectified immediately,” East Bengal director Sandeep Agarwal, who represents major owner Emimi, said in a statement.
He further promised that all spectators will be charged a flat fee for the much-anticipated derby in the future.
He added: “Going forward, uniform pricing will be implemented for all participants in this highly anticipated event.”
As per the tickets listed on the vendor portal BookMyShow, the previous price range was $100 to $East Bengal is ranked 1000 while their rivals Mohun Bagan are ranked differently $250 to $3000.
The two arch-rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal play in opposite stands at the 68,000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium to organize the derby seamlessly, with the home team retaining the prerogative of deciding the ticket price.
East Bengal are the home team for the second leg and the ticket price will be decided by the main owners Emami Limited.
Emami East Bengal said this “practice is common around the world” and further stated that Mohun Bagan adopted a similar tactic on February 3, 2024, by offering “discounts” to its “loyal fans”.
“To increase transparency, we have also introduced a fare discount structure,” Agarwal added.
“Unfortunately, this move has inadvertently caused confusion among football enthusiasts. In light of this, and taking into account the sentiments of our passionate football community, and following constructive discussions with the Honorable Minister of Sports, we have made the decision Decision as follows. ”