Slot for Bhutia in both EB,Bagan teams?

At first,club secretary Debashish Dutta denied keeping the slot for a specific player but later admitted that Bhutia was one of the probables. He,however,stayed rooted to his club’s stern standpoint.

‘Anybody’s place’

“The place kept vacant can be anybody’s but Bhaichung is certainly one of the probables according to his contract which we will abide by. But remember,football is a team game and we didn’t have Bhaichung during our major victories last season like the Kolkata League and the Federation Cup final. So,it’s not that we can’t do without him,” Dutta said before reinforcing Bagan’s stand again.

“Anyway,we’ve suspended him till December and he can play only if he says sorry for what he’s done. We’re expecting an apology before the Durand Cup ends. That’s why we’ve kept the berth open.”

Aware of East Bengal’s move and expecting a solution after Wednesday’s hearing,Bhutia,however,is taken completely aback by Bagan’s move. A solution still is highly unlikely as the 33-year-old stands his ground,as firmly as Bagan.

“I was looking forward to playing for East Bengal hoping to reach a solution sometime during the Durand Cup. But I’m surprised to know that Mohun Bagan have kept a slot for me. How can they expect a player to play after questioning his commitment and when they are well aware that my priorities have changed,” Bhutia told The Indian Express.