Match Abandoned After Chaos in District Derby at Canning!
Kolkata, January 18: The Bengal Super League district derby between Sundarban Bengal Auto FC and North 24 Parganas at the Canning Stadium on Sunday afternoon ended in controversy, as the match was abandoned following multiple red cards and on-field unrest.
The encounter began with both teams adopting an attacking approach, but neither side managed to create genuinely threatening chances in the opening phase. The intensity was evident, yet clear-cut opportunities were few.
The turning point of the first half arrived in the 39th minute, when Suleman of Sundarban Bengal Auto FC was shown a red card after receiving a second yellow, reducing his side to ten men.
Despite being a man down, Sundarban nearly found a breakthrough in the 42nd minute. A perfectly weighted through ball from Pawan Pattem released Richmond inside the box. The forward attempted a header, but the effort narrowly struck the side netting, missing the target by inches.
The second half saw North 24 Parganas take control, and they broke the deadlock to take a 1–0 lead. They continued to press and almost doubled their advantage in the 74th minute, when the Zomuansanga unleashed a shot from inside the box that went just wide of the goal.
Drama unfolded again in the 85th minute when Lalsiem went forward and was fouled by North 24 Parganas keeper Suraj Ali, inside the box. The referee initially awarded a penalty to Sundarban Bengal Auto FC, but after consultation and reassessment, the decision was overturned.
Moments later, North 24 Parganas struck decisively on the counterattack. Kuntal Pakhira found the net to double the lead, making it 2–0.
What followed was a chaotic scene. Tempers flared as players from both sides engaged in heated arguments. Sundarban Bengal Auto FC goalkeeper Subrata Santra was shown a red card, marking the team’s second dismissal of the match.
In response, head coach Mehtab Hossain instructed his players to leave the field and return to the dressing room. Despite waiting for 30 minutes, the match commissioner confirmed that Sundarban Bengal Auto FC refused to resume play.
As a result, the match was officially abandoned. Any decision regarding penalties, match fees, or further disciplinary action will be taken after the governing body’s review meeting.
A highly anticipated district derby thus ended in disappointment, overshadowed by controversy rather than football.
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