footballThe swinging fortunes of the high profile derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in the first half saw a Red and Gold fan suffer a heart attack.

Emotions run high in Kolkata during the derbies as it’s a matter of “prestige” as the East Bengal skipper Syed Rahim Nabi had mentioned.

East Bengal took an early lead through Nirmal Chettri which was cancelled by Chidi Edeh and within minutes, Manish Mathani changed the score to 2-1 in favour of the Green and Maroons. Chidi added his second and towards the end of the first half, Yakubu scored twice to restore parity in an eventful 45 minutes.

Shambhu Hazra had a major heart attack and had to be admitted to the N.R.S Hospital at Entrally.

“An East Bengal fan suffered a heart attack during the game, around the end of the first half,” informed Indian Football Association’s (IFA) Rabin Ghosh. Hazra passed away this morning at the hospital.

Back in 1975 when East Bengal thrashed Mohun Bagan 5-0, a Mariner by the name of Umakant Palodhi committed suicide. Mohun Bagan avenged their 34 year old humiliation and pelted five past East Bengal to even the scores between the club.