Fans demand ouster of Mitra, Debasihish; Bagan prez backs duo

In a statement, Bose said it was a unanimous decision to withdraw the team in the half-time of December 9 derby clash against East Bengal at Yuva Bharati stadium here.

Bose said some people were making comments against the club officials and indulging in mud-slinging.

"They are trying to politicise the entire matter and are trying to divide us... But they are living in a fool's paradise," he said.

"I, as the president of Mohun Bagan appeal to all members and supporters to remain united and with the club in our moment of crisis," Bose said.

He added that they would ask AIFF for a "favourable" decision on January 15.

But a group of fans, who organised a media conference, said the club was suffering because of Mitra and Dutta.

"They (Mitra and Dutta) should resign immediately taking moral responsibility for the suspension. It's a 125-year-old club and sentiments of many supporters are attached with it. We just can't suffer because of the inept handling of a few officials.

"We don't represent any political party. We just plead at the AIFF courts to overturn the decision and restore parity in the club. Many fans in Pune, Mumbai also have joined us in a signature campaign which will be sent to AIFF," Arindam Talukdar, a member of the group, said. (More)