East Bengal’s outstanding victory towards NorthEast United FC within the Durand Cup semifinal was overshadowed by allegations of racism, with the visiting group followers reporting situations of racial slurs and being focused with stones and slippers through the match. The 16-time champions exhibited one of many biggest comebacks as they overturned a two-goal deficit within the final two minutes and secured an exhilarating 5-3 victory in penalties to make the Durand Cup last after 19 years.

However, the scenes that unfolded after the match painted a grim image because the NEUFC followers, numbering about 100-odd, claimed that the supporters of the Red and Gold brigade aimed projectiles and slurs at them. The match witnessed an attendance of about 22,000-plus spectators.

Such was the situation that rapid intervention by the Indian Army and native police was required to make sure protected exit of NorthEast United FC supporters.

However there was no official criticism relating to the alleged incident as but.

The All India Football Federation secretary normal Shaji Prabhakaran, nonetheless, has promised motion.

“Saddened to read this. We will take up this matter. We have a zero tolerance on this. We have to do everything possible to completely eliminate these kinds of issues from Indian football,” Prabhakaran posted on his social media platform ‘X’, previously twitter.

Both the the groups, in the meantime, have condemned the alleged incident.

“NorthEast United FC are deeply disturbed by the recent incident of racism, hooliganism & violence directed towards some of our fans during the Durand Cup semi-final match against East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Tuesday. Racism has no place in football, or in any aspect of life, and we unequivocally condemn such behaviour,” NEUFC stated in a press release on Wednesday.

“Our fans are an integral part of our team, and we stand united against any form of discrimination. We have already brought this matter to the attention of the tournament organisers, and the local officials.

“We’d prefer to thank the Indian Army and the native police officers for taking swift motion towards the perpetrators. We are additionally grateful to them for offering enough safety to our followers and escorting them to their desired location.” East Bengal added: “East Bengal FC condemns all types of racism. there isn’t any room for discrimination in soccer, a sport that unites folks.” Indian Army, who are the organisers of Asia’s oldest tournament, is yet to come out with any statement.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)