Mohun Bagan's Scottish striker Darryl Duffy remained coy about the club's decision against playing the Kolkata Derby, preferring to beat around the bush during an interaction with journalists here on Thursday.
The first Kolkata Derby of the season was called off on Wednesday after Bagan stuck to their stance of not playing the marquee tie against East Bengal saying they needed at least two days of practice at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium before the match and over 6,000 tickets for their members.
East Bengal took the field but the referee and match commissioner decided to hand the red and gold brigade a walkover after waiting half an hour in vain for Mohun Bagan to turn up.
Duffy, who was scheduled to play his first Derby, said the players are behind the club mandarins.
"We stand by the club. There was a meeting with players today but that is staying inside the club," he said.
Asked about his Instagram post on Tuesday, the eve of the Derby, where he wrote that he was bored, the former Salgaocar marksman ducked it smartly.
"Me and my wife spent time together. Children were in school. It was relaxing."
East Bengal are on the cusp of history. The Richard Dryden-coached side need a win against Mohammedan Sporting in the weekend to win their seventh Calcutta Football League (CFL) title on the trot, eclipsing their own feat of six back-to-back triumphs.
Duffy chose to talk about his own allegiance.
"I don't want to talk about East Bengal winning the league. We represent Mohun Bagan and want to give our best for the club. That's the motivation."
Queried whether the cancellation of the Derby could have an impact on the younger crop, Duffy, raising a few eyebrows, said the experience will benefit the rookies.
"These things happen in football. It is good for youngsters. That they are getting to experience these situations at such a young age will help them in future."
--IANS
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