East Bengal-Investor row: Supporters clash near club tent; five injured

Two groups of East Bengal supporters clashed against each other near the club tent at the Maidan on Wednesday, flouting COVID-19 protocols, in the wake of the Indian Super League side's impasse with investors Shree Cement Ltd. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

There have been clashes between the arch-rival clubs East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in the past, but this is the first time supporters of the same club fought against each other in unruly scenes at the Maidan. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Trouble started brewing in the afternoon when supporters under the banner of 'East Bengal Real Power' and other fan clubs started gathering for a pre-planned protest against the authorities and started shouting slogan. With placards in their hands, the supporters also demanded intervention from chief minister Mamata Banerjee yet again. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

There has been furore all over since the club officials, led by president Dr Pranab Dasgupta and 24 executive members, issued a signed statement not to sign the 'final binding agreement' with SCL. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The Hari Mohan Bangur-led group had already refused to "spend a penny" to build the side for the upcoming ISL season unless they get the sporting rights for which they needed the final term sheet signed by the club management. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Following the exit of former investor Quess Corp last year, East Bengal made a last minute foray into the ISL after SCL came on board following the intervention of state chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Having acquired a stake of 76 per cent, the cement giants signed an initial term sheet with the club in September last year. But a final binding agreement of the deal has not been signed by the club management who are claiming that there are "differences" from the initial term sheet. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Police attack a supporter near the East Bengal club tent in Maidan area on Wednesday afternoon. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

According to police sources, five were injured and taken to the hospital, while around 50 were arrested after the incident in front of Eden Gardens. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The SCL has maintained that there has been no changes to the initial terms in the binding agreement and the club has so far failed to prove their point, leading to the logjam. In this scenario, the team is yet to sign players for the upcoming ISL season. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)