KNT Web Desk
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What was billed as a historic and celebratory moment for Indian football fans turned chaotic on Saturday after Lionel Messi’s brief appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata triggered widespread anger, vandalism, and scenes of disorder, exposing serious lapses in event management and crowd control.
Lionel Messi, who arrived in Kolkata as part of the much-publicised GOAT India Tour 2025, was scheduled to attend a fan interaction programme at the iconic stadium. However, according to multiple eyewitness accounts, a large section of ticket-holding spectators failed to get a clear view of the Argentine football icon, leading to mounting frustration among the crowd.
As Messi’s presence at the venue reportedly remained limited to a short and tightly controlled interaction, resentment grew among fans who had paid premium prices for entry. Many alleged that access and visibility were restricted primarily to VIP enclosures, while general ticket holders were left disappointed despite hours of waiting.
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The situation escalated soon after, with angry spectators vandalising parts of the stadium. Chairs were reportedly uprooted and thrown, banners and barricades damaged, and objects hurled towards restricted zones. Police personnel stationed at the venue intervened to prevent further escalation, and mild force was reportedly used to disperse agitated groups.
Several people sustained minor injuries amid the chaos, while panic briefly gripped sections of the stadium. Visuals circulating on social media showed damaged seating and scattered debris inside the venue, underscoring the scale of the disorder.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued a public apology, calling the incident unfortunate and expressing regret to both Lionel Messi and disappointed fans. She announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the lapses in planning and execution of the event and to fix responsibility.
Authorities confirmed that the chief organiser of the event has been arrested in connection with alleged mismanagement and violations related to crowd handling. Officials also indicated that the issue of refunding ticket money to affected spectators is under consideration.
Police sources said a detailed assessment of the damage is underway and further legal action may follow based on the findings of the inquiry.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on event management standards in India, particularly for high-profile international appearances. Fans and sports enthusiasts have questioned the lack of transparency, poor communication, and apparent prioritisation of VIP access over general spectators.
What was meant to be a landmark football moment for Kolkata ended in disappointment and disorder, leaving organisers facing scrutiny and fans demanding accountability for what many described as a poorly handled event. [KNT]
