Lessons learnt from Sunday's aborted Kolkata Derby

The events which led to yesterday’s Kolkata derby in the I-League between East Bengal Club and Mohun Bagan AC being only played until half-time is a sad new chapter of Kolkata, Bengal and Indian football. Sadly, this is not clear to everyone as The All India Football Federation and I-League are pondering on what decision to take keeping in mind what is right in the interest of Indian football and that of the two Kolkata giants. And whatever be the final verdict, it surely will see opposition from one of the teams, maybe even from both.

But what I feel is more important is that lessons are learnt from such a incident and things are not just swept under the carpet as has often happened in the past. On one television show yesterday evening, ex-India goalkeeper and friend Rajat Ghosh Dasdidar wisely said that lessons need to be learnt from such an incidence or similar things will continue to happen in the future.

Here some points worth noting:

1. Adequate and appropriate security through police and private security agencies.

2. Adequate checks at all entrances not to allow people without tickets entering the stadium and also checking/frisking people for objects which are not allowed inside the stadium.

3. The Police force present at the ground cannot as is usual in Kolkata watch the match and not do their job to ensure security cover for the players, officials and spectators.

4. Police/Security officials need to be in adequate numbers in each block of the stadium.

5. Better pre-match coordination amongst clubs, federation and authorities.

Let me finish off my wishing Syed Rahim Nabi all the best and a speedy recovery!!! Not only mine, but the good wishes of all Indian football lovers are with you my friend.