Incensed over their club's failure in three back-to-back tournaments, East Bengal supporters on Saturday came to blows with some footballers, besides damaging the car of one of the club's officials.
Minutes after the club bowed out of the Federation Cup with a 0-1 quarter-final loss to Dempo Sports Club, East Bengal fans present at the Salt Lake stadium went on the rampage abusing the coach and officials.
They also stoned the car of one of the officials and hammered it with flagpoles till it was damaged beyond recognition.
Sensing danger, a large posse of policemen cordoned off the club dressing room and escorted the players and officials to the team bus, even as the fans hurled the choicest of epithets.
However, two of the team's players -- Gurpreet Singh and Gurjinder Singh -- fell behind and were trying to sneak out through a back door when they got a taste of the verbal abuse.
The two players lost their cool and rushed at the fans, and both parties came to blows. However, police intervened and escorted the footballers to safety.
Finally, the police and Rapid Action Force personnel baton-charged to disperse the crowd.
In the post-match media conference, East Bengal coach Carlos Pereira said he would not resign.
"I want to continue. But now it is up to the club officials to decide whether they want to retain me," he said.
After beginning the season with a title win in the Kolkata premier division league, East Bengal had early exits in the Durand Cup and IFA Shield before losing in the Federation Cup.
