East Bengal FC (EBFC) has found its first point in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2024/25 season. The Red and Gold Brigade, in their seventh match of the season, held a draw against their arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC). Oscar Bruzon has completely transformed the side since taking over. They showcased pure class Saturday night at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Kirangan (VYBK), Salt Lake, Kolkata.
East Bengal having lost their 6 consecutive matches in the ISL was finding momentum. They somewhat got the momentum on the weekend after being down with 9 men within 25 minutes of the game. Nandhakumar Sekar and Mahesh Naorem Singh were both shown a red card for infringement on the field. Fighting for more than an hour with two men down on a ground like Salt Lake was not easy for the side.
The backline was absolutely solid and no one gave an inch of space to create an attack for the Black and Whites. However, amidst these referee Harish Kundu was not the right man. His match-changing decision was questioned was everyone. The Delhi-based referee deprived East Bengal of a genuine penalty after striker Dimitrios Diamantakos was brought down inside the box. Instead, he gave a free kick outside the box.
East Bengal brings the fire
Does India need VAR with this kind of refereeing? Absolutely yes, it needs to be added as soon as possible. Yesterday’s match was the prime example that the Indian referee has not been up to the mark in the top-tier league of Indian football. Haris Kundu favoured Mohammaden and did not show them any cards. Despite fouling several times during the counter-attack of the Red and Gold Brigade.
Bruzon is in charge of turning the Red and Gold Brigade’s fortunes around. Having completed the group rounds of the AFC Challenge League, he has helped the squad get their first point of the season despite experiencing significant difficulties during the game. The Spaniard claimed that he has been working on all fronts to help East Bengal FC return to their best.
