East Bengal supporters stage 13th minute walkout to protest 13 years without league title

A FAN GROUP CALLING themselves 'East Bengal Ultras' staged an innovative protest involving a banner and a walkout last night to raise voice against the club's lack of professionalism and on-field success.

The 30-odd fans part of the protest came to the match between East Bengal and Sporting Clube de Goa at Barasat. They unfurled a large banner saying "13 years gone. Do you understand? No, you don't!" They then proceeded to walk out of the stadium during the 13th minute of the match, leaving the banner behind on the stand; as a symbolic non-violent protest referencing to the 13 years that have passed since East Bengal last won the I-League title.

Although they had left, the remaining fans in the stadium could be heard raising similar slogans throughout the rest of the game.

The fans raised slogans against the club officials, and especially player and team manager Alvito D'Cunha. After walking out of the stadium, they expressed their anger in front of the media, alleging that the management has been negligent in their duty to build a thorough, consistent squad with depth.

East Bengal proceeded to end the match in a goalless draw, which officially brought an end to their title charge. Last time they lifted the league title was in 2002-03. Interestingly, the last 2 times when their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan have won the league, East Bengal have gone on to win it this season. This time it did not happen; and that has gone on to leave a bad taste in the fans' mouth.