Protests as Barreto-less Bagan lose

Around 400 Mohun Bagan supporters today held a demonstration at the club tent agitated over the reported ‘factional feud’ in the club, culminating in Brazilian footballer Jose Barreto’s threat to quit the club and go back home. The supporters shouted ‘‘No Barreto, no match’’ and broke a glass and overturned furniture creating a virtual free-for-all at the club.

Club general secretary Anjan Mitra told reporters that Barreto had taken the ‘‘hard decision’’ after he was allegedly insulted by an official. ‘‘I think he (Barreto) will reconsider his decision if the official concerned tenders an unqualifed apology,’’ he said.

Without their start striker in the ranks today, Bagan suffered a 1-0 loss to JCT in their National Football League match here today.Jo-Paul Ancheri scored the all-important goal for JCT.