Argument over refused penalty causes ‘Brazil-Argentina’ clash in Kolkata slum; seven injured

KOLKATA, July 3, 2018: Could VAR reference have averted a clash? It is anybody's guess, but an argument over refused penalty appeal at a local football game led to clashes between two neighbourhoods in the Ultadanga-Eastern Metropolitan Bypass area between Sunday night and Monday morning, leaving seven people injured.

One of the groups, from VRS-3 colony, comprised Argentinian supporters, while those in the other, from Sree colony, supported Brazil. Cops said the organizers (from Sree colony) — was not even a competing team.

Witness Prashanta Pradhan said, "Those involved in the fight brought out cricket bats and hockey sticks and ransacked six houses and vandalized vehicles. Seven people, including a senior citizen, were injured.

Bagmari Suhad Sangha at Sree Colony had organized a two-day three-a-side tournament coinciding with the World Cup. "We host this tournament every year. This year, teams from as far as Madhyamgram participated because of the World Cup. Our neighbours, VRS-3 quarters, sent two teams under the Pragati Sangha banner," said Buo Thakur, a local.

They were down 0-2 in a quarter final match with a Duttabad team when they appealed for a penalty and the referee turned it down. That's when the clash started. It continued till 6.30am on Monday.