Kolkata: As synonymous with a typical Derby flavour, controversy hogged the limelight courtesy of a 'questionable' decision by the referee in the East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan clash in the high-octane Durand Cup quarters at the Yuva Bharti Krirangan here on Sunday.

A foul awarded by the referee had Mohun Bagan players, officials and fans seething in anger. It also caused a huge brawl with the players of the two sides pushing each other.

Mohun Bagan officials were seen confronting the match officials, over the ‘questionable decision’ by the referee, befitting a quintessential derby class between the two top guns.

Tempers flared, chants of “cheating” echoed through the stadium, and social media exploded with outrage as the decision was branded “daylight robbery” by angry Bagan faithful. Even neutral fans admitted it was one of the most controversial calls in recent derby history.

Despite Mohun Bagan’s desperate final push, East Bengal’s defense stood like a wall, sealing a 2-1 lead that now has them dreaming of semifinal glory. For Mohun Bagan, it was a night of rage, heartbreak, and what-ifs — while for East Bengal, it was sweet, fiery revenge in the city’s greatest football rivalry.

The Kolkata Derby has once again proven why it is Asia’s most electrifying football battle — and this chapter will be talked about for years.