Several stalwarts of Mohun Bagan felt that the club should not have refused to play in the second half of their violence-marred derby against East Bengal on December 9, which led to their ban from the current and next two editions of the I-League.
Ex-India captain and Mohun Bagan Ratna Chuni Goswami went to the extent of demanding the sacking of the club's officials.
"The officials should be removed right away and Mohun Bagan should make a fresh appeal at the AIFF," he said.
Another former India stalwart and ex-Mohun Bagan player and coach P K Banerjee was critical of the club quitting midway in the fateful derby match.
"Nobody is greater than the game. The sanctity of the game should be preserved. I have seen many incidents during my playing and coaching career. But I've never thought of quitting midway. I strongly feel that they should have continued playing in the right spirit," he said.
"At the same time, I feel Kolkata will lose some colour without Mohun Bagan," he added.
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Former India and Mohun Bagan captain Bhaichung Bhutia also blamed club officials for the ban, saying that "(Mohun Bagan) officials took decision without thinking of the consequences".
"Decision not to play can never be supported. I feel sorry for the fans and the players. Football has to go on. Even if Sachin does not play cricket goes on. I am sure Mohun Bagan will appeal. But rules have been laid down," said Bhutia who was was himself suspended by the club for being irregular in practice sessions and skipping an exhibition match in 2009. MORE