After Derby defeat, East Bengal players travel in general compartment, get seats thanks to Mohun Bagan fans

5 EAST BENGAL PLAYERS were seen taking the train back to Kolkata from Cuttack and riding in a general compartment after their Kolkata Derby defeat last night to arch rivals Mohun Bagan, which effectively ended the season for the Red and Golds.

These players, including veteran defender Arnab Mondal and young prospect Narayan Das - both of whom have also represented India - were seen taking the morning train to Kolkata. Having to travel in general compartment on a crowded line, they were unable to get seats until some Mohun Bagan fans spotted them and offered them their own seats.

Apparently Mehtab Hossain was also on the same train but he managed to get a reserved seat in an AC compartment.

Earlier reports suggested that these players have had some tiff with the team management after the Derby defeat. Rumours also claimed that the club management had failed to secure flight tickets for all the players in their squad.

But later an East Bengal official claimed that the club had booked a flight in the evening for the entire squad but these players left early in order to be home before playing a match for their office teams.

Speculations are afoot whether any of these players will continue to play for East Bengal next season, especially with ISL being proposed to run in parallel with I-League.

The rest of the East Bengal squad will fly out of Bhubaneshwar later tonight.