Bagan coach Dutta beaten

CALCUTTA, June 13: The jinxed McDowell Cup football semi-final between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan turned out to be a non-starter even today...

CALCUTTA, June 13: The jinxed McDowell Cup football semi-final between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan turned out to be a non-starter even today, as Bagan refused to take to the field citing security reasons. The National Football League champions decided that the security provided to them was inadequate, after their coach Amal Dutta was beaten up by East Bengal fans near the Salt Lake Stadium yesterday.

The veteran coach, who has always been embroiled in controversy, sustained severe injuries on his face and neck after being thrashed on his way out of the stadium, shortly after the match between the two sides was called off.

However, Dutta is himself to blame for the incident as, instead of leaving the ground in the team bus under security as is the norm, the coach decided to request Bagan defender Debjit Ghosh to give him a lift on his motorcycle.

The irate fans, who were blaming Bagan for the aborted match, chased Dutta and beat him up just outside the stadium gate. Even security personnel were notinformed of Dutta8217;s decision to leave on his own. Dutta was treated in a city nursing home and needed stitches on his forehead and chin. He is also reported to have lost a couple of teeth.

Today, Bagan shot off a protest letter to the Indian Football Association, saying that they will not play till adequate security has been provided to them. Standing by their letter, they did not turn up for today8217;s match also.

Although as per Fifa rules, this amounts to a walk-over, the IFA will take a final decision after an emergency meeting tomorrow. Bagan officials will be invited to the meeting and will be asked to explain their stand. As far as this tournament is concerned, East Bengal can consider themselves in the final.

There was a a lot of tension at the Salt Lake Stadium today as a large number of police personnel were deployed, expecting trouble. The fans were not allowed to enter the stadium. The police had to resort to a mild lathi-charge outside the gates when things appeared to be going out ofhand. East Bengal warmed up in front of the empty stands for about half an hour before the referee called off the match.