Kolkata: Mohun Bagan’s Scottish striker Darryl Duffy hit back at East Bengal’s Do Dong.The Korean footballer sparked a controversy stating that perhaps Mohun Bagan was scared about him playing in the derby. He would have requested the club officials to give him a break (citing reasons of an injury) if he knew Bagan were unwilling to take the field. Speaking to the scribes after the practice session ahead of the Army XI tie on Saturday , the Scot chose to counter attack Dong, challenging him to take the field during the I League derby. The Scot felt such a comment coming from an opponent footballer is uncalled for as it is not in the right spirit. According to Duffy, “I do not like to comment on what he said. But such kind of remarks is uncalled for. As far as meeting him on the field, I am eagerly waiting for the I League season when both will face each other.”
Mohun Bagan will take on a depleted Army XI in a Calcutta Premier League encounter on Saturday. The Mariners will be back in action after a long layoff. The Green and Maroon brigade played their last match against Tollygunje Agragami on August 29. The match will take place at Mohun Bagan ground.
The Bagan footballers were compelled to stay away in the derby. The adamant attitude of the club officials may cost them three valuable point as they demanded a postponement of the derby because of “lack of practice” at the venue .With the walk-over, East Bengal are almost assured of the league championship with 21 points from 7 matches. Mohun Bagan is on 16 points from eight matches.
The Army XI team will be forced to field their reserve team as their first team is now busy playing in the Durand Cup. Players like Arjun Tudu and Jain P will be missing from the Army outfit.
Bagan coach Shankarlal Chakraborty is wary about his opponents as most of the players in the Army XI side will be new. According to Shankarlal, “We cannot afford to take the Army team likely as we do not know most of their players. Our aim obviously will be secure full points.”
Mohun Bagan will not get the service of both defenders Raju Gaekwad and Sanjay Balmuchu after tomorrows tie. Both of them will be joining their ISL franchises.