ISL 2024-25 : Mohun Bagan Files Complaint Against East Bengal Over Controversial TIFO

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Kolkata's Indian Super League (ISL) heavyweights, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have formally lodged a complaint with ISL authorities against their fierce city rivals, East Bengal FC.

The issue stems from a tifo displayed by East Bengal fans during their recent match against Kerala Blasters, which allegedly targeted Mohun Bagan's chairperson, Sanjiv Goenka, and accused him of influencing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for favoritism in the league.

This marks the second instance this season where East Bengal supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction with ISL refereeing decisions through tifo displays. The controversy came to a head during the much-anticipated Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, held in Guwahati on January 11, 2025.

The tipping point occurred during the first half when East Bengal forward PV Vishnu's shot appeared to hit Mohun Bagan's Apuia on the hand inside the penalty area. Despite East Bengal's appeals, the referee chose not to award a penalty, leaving their fans infuriated. To compound matters, East Bengal's Souvik Chakrabarti received a controversial red card in the second half, further fueling the outrage. Mohun Bagan clinched a narrow 1-0 victory, but the contentious refereeing decisions dominated post-match discussions.

East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon didn't hold back in his criticism, calling the decision to red-card Chakrabarti "unjust" and questioning the overall officiating.

myKhel understands Mohun Bagan have sent a letter to the ISL management complaining how FSDL and police allowed such TIFO to enter the stadium. But the Mariners are yet to lodge a format complaint against the 'unsporting' behaviour of the East Bengal club.

Mohun Bagan's grievance, however, is not solely about the match incidents. Their complaint highlights the tifo displayed by East Bengal fans, which they claim undermines the integrity of the league and its management. This follows a precedent set in the previous ISL 2023-24 season, where Mohun Bagan themselves were fined under Article 67 of the AIFF disciplinary code for an inappropriate tifo during a game against Jamshedpur FC.

The ISL is yet to issue a statement regarding Mohun Bagan's complaint, but the recurring controversies involving fan protests and refereeing decisions raise concerns over the league's ability to maintain discipline and fairness.