Punjab FC are playing Mohun Bagan and East Bengal without spectators, know why

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Punjab FC are playing both of their last two matches against Mohun Bagan and East Bengal at home without any supporters. Playing behind closed doors always makes it tough for both teams to get favourable results. Punjab have already lost 1-0 against Mohun Bagan.

It raises a lot of questions as to why they are having to play these two matches behind closed doors. The reason lies in how the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium failed to uphold the fire regulations and how they rued the consequences of that only a few days ago.

As per a report from Anandabazar Online, a fire started on March 13 in the basement of the stadium. It spread to the CCTV room where apparently a person died. No further details on the deceased have been found.

However, after the fire, the stadium authorities were notified that they needed to fix their fire preventive measures before they could hold any more games at the stadium. However, Punjab still had two matches left to be played at the stadium.

That's why a meeting was held between Punjab FC officials, Delhi police, and officials of the fire brigade department. Punjab FC requested that they at least let the match be held at the stadium even if they have to play behind closed doors.

The fire department agreed with the terms. As a result, Punjab FC are playing the matches against Mohun Bagan and East Bengal with only players, coaching staff, match crew, stadium crew, and broadcasting crew on the ground.

Punjab FC have already played their match against Mohun Bagan and lost by a 1-0 margin. Sitting in second-last position in the Indian Super League table, they have no chance of qualifying for the ISL 2023-24 play-offs. They still have a match left to be played against East Bengal on April 10.