Rahul Giri in Guwahati
The last time that Mohun Bagan and East Bengal clashed in a Kolkata Derby in such a quiet atmosphere was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when matches were played in empty stadiums. On Saturday, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, it felt eerily similar.
With only 2,567 spectators in attendance, the atmosphere was far from what one would expect for a clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The occasional cheers from the sparse crowd were drowned out by the sound of the ball being struck and the coaches’ instructions echoing across the empty stands. It was a stark reminder of how empty the stadium really was.
Expressing his frustration over the lacklustre atmosphere, East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon drew a comparison with Europe’s biggest football rivalry. “I can’t imagine Real Madrid and Barcelona playing El Clasico in a different city. But here in India, our biggest game had to be relocated and played in such a poor atmosphere,” he lamented.
Bruzon’s concerns were valid. The poor turnout was the result of multiple logistical issues and last-minute decisions by the organisers.
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Had the venue been confirmed earlier, more fans from Kolkata could have travelled to Guwahati, creating a better atmosphere for the iconic clash. The uncertainty dragged on for weeks, and it was only on the afternoon of January 8 that the organisers officially announced Guwahati as the host city. By then, it was too late for most fans to make travel arrangements. While a few passionate fans managed to book expensive flight tickets, the majority couldn’t afford the trip due to the short notice. Train tickets were nearly impossible to get at the last minute.
Local reporters also highlighted another major issue — the lack of promotion for the Kolkata Derby in Guwahati. Ticket sales began at the eleventh hour, and there were barely any banners or posters promoting the game along the airport-to-stadium route, which takes about an hour to travel.
Guwahati is home to a significant number of football fans, including many who have moved from Kolkata for work. With better promotion and communication, the organisers could have drawn a larger crowd. Instead, they missed an opportunity to create buzz around India’s biggest football match.
Mohun Bagan’s star striker, Jamie Maclaren, who had voiced his disappointment before boarding the flight to Guwahati, was at least relieved to have delivered joy to his fans with the game’s only goal.
“I scored in the last Derby in front of a full house, and I scored in this Derby — I’m not sure, maybe in front of 2,000 or 3,000 people. I’m just happy that tonight our fans back in Kolkata will be celebrating,” Maclaren said after the match.
The dismal turnout and muted atmosphere were particularly disheartening because the Kolkata Derby is one of the most anticipated fixtures in Indian football. It happens only two or three times a year, and fans look forward to it with immense passion and excitement.
Perhaps the packed Indian football calendar left the organisers with little room to reschedule the match or find an alternative date. However, better planning and promotion could have salvaged the occasion. Confirming the venue at least a week in advance would have given fans enough time to arrange their travel plans, ensuring a more vibrant crowd at the stadium.
The Kolkata Derby deserves to be played in front of a roaring crowd, not in a stadium where silence echoes louder than cheers. For a game that means so much to Indian football, Saturday’s empty stands were a sobering sight.
Also Read: Early Maclaren strike secures Mohun Bagan controversial win over East Bengal in ISL derby
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