East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Anwar Ali Booed By Mariners Fans On His 50th ISL Appearance At Kolkata Derby

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East Bengal defender Anwar Ali was repeatedly booed by fans of Mohun Bagan Super Giant during the first Kolkata derby of ISL 2024-25 on Saturday, October 19.

During the first half of the match, loud boos rang around the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan every time the East Bengal centre-back touched the ball.

Anwar, whose appearance on Saturday's derby match was his 50th appearance in the ISL, would have expected the frosty reaction from the Mariners fans, as there has been no love lost between the East Bengal number four and his old club.

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Why are Mariners fans booing Anwar Ali?

The main reason for the animosity between Anwar Ali and Mohun Bagan fans was the protracted and ugly transfer saga that led to him leaving the Mariners to join their cross-city rivals.

The defender, who was on loan at Delhi Dynamos FC, prematurely terminated his contract with his parent club and joined their arch-rivals East Bengal. As the news broke, the Mariners' camp and fan base erupted in fury.

The club argued that Anwar's departure violated the loan agreement, triggering a series of legal disputes that ultimately led to a temporary four-month ban for the defender by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The ban, and the resulting fine of ₹12.9 crore fine, was eventually set aside, allowing Anwar Ali to become an indispensable part of East Bengal's backline in a season that has yet gone miserably. However, the drama surrounding the move has left a bitter taste in the mouth of Mohun Bagan fans, which was on display during the clash at the Salt Lake Stadium.

However, on the derby day on Saturday, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan went into the first drinks break after an entertaining and open period of play, which included a goal for the away team that was ruled out for offside.