This was ATK Mohun Bagan’s second successive fixture to be postponed after the match against Odisha FC had to be postponed after an unnamed player reported positive for COVID-19.
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The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) fixture between ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC which was supposed to be held on Saturday was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases inside the bio-bubble. This was ATK Mohun Bagan’s second successive fixture to be postponed after the match against Odisha FC had to be postponed after an unnamed player reported positive for COVID-19.
UPDATE:
The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has postponeed the match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at PJN Stadium, Fatorda. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ZLBfCJ0Kdc
— ATK Mohun Bagan FC (@atkmohunbaganfc) January 15, 2022
“Hero Indian Super League (ISL) announces the postponement of the match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at PJN Stadium, Fatorda.” ATK Mohun Bagan said in a statement.
“Each match is assessed on a number of factors including the ability of the clubs to field a team; the severity of Covid-19 breakout at the club(s); and the ability of the club personnel to safely prepare for and play the match.”
“The health and safety of all personnel in various bubbles remains our priority, and the League & Clubs will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly.”
According to the reports coming in, as many as four ATKMB players in the bio-bubble have tested positive as the team from Kolkata was locked in their rooms for one week without a single training session.
Players from other teams including FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC also contracted the Coronavirus, while SC East Bengal too isolated themselves after their hotel staff returned a positive test result.
ATKMB are placed 5th in the points table with 15 points from nine games while Bengaluru FC are two spots behind them with 13 points having played 11 games.
ATKMB are unbeaten in their last five games and are starting to find their stride under new boss Juan Cuadrado. Meanwhile Bengaluru FC are also on the path of resurgence having registered two wins and two draws in their last four games.
Bengaluru FC skipper and talismann Sunil Chhetri spoke out about the difficulties faced by athletes inside the bio-bubble and urged rivals to support each other during these tough times.
“To get through this is not something you can train for. It has nothing to do with skill, talent or experience. This is up there on the list of sacrifices we’re making, to be able to play the game we love. It’s a battle we’re all fighting in our ways,” said Chhetri on Twitter.
“Reach out when you need to share, lend an ear to someone who needs to speak. We’re all going through the same thing and I just thought it would be nice if we could pick each other up when we need to.”
“To any ISL player, across clubs, nationalities and experience – I’m up for a chat if you need one. We don’t have to talk football. Drop me a message if you feel like it, and we’ll make it happen. The season, table, wins and losses will take care of themselves when they have to.”
