Video footage circulated by news agencies showed supporters climbing over security fences, tearing out seats from the stands, and throwing them onto the athletics track and playing field. The scenes reflected serious lapses in crowd control at one of India’s largest football venues.
Several fans expressed anger over what they described as mismanagement and lack of access. Many claimed they had paid high ticket prices but were unable to get a clear view of the football superstar, leading to rising tensions inside the stadium.
‘We Didn’t Even See His Face,’ Say Fans
Speaking to reporters, a visibly upset supporter said the event had failed to meet expectations. “Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi. Why did they call us then?” the fan remarked, adding that tickets reportedly cost up to ₹12,000.
Fans alleged that Messi was quickly escorted away by organisers and security personnel, leaving ordinary ticket-holders disappointed. The short duration of his appearance became the main trigger for the unrest that followed.
Mamata Banerjee Apologises, Orders Probe
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and football fans for the incident and ordered a formal enquiry. In a post on X, she said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the mismanagement witnessed at Salt Lake Stadium.
Banerjee, who was on her way to the venue when the situation spiralled out of control, announced the formation of an enquiry committee. The panel has been tasked with fixing responsibility and recommending steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Messi’s India Tour Schedule
Messi is visiting India as part of a multi-city tour that includes appearances at concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament, and the launch of charitable initiatives. His itinerary covers Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Despite the chaos in Kolkata, organisers have indicated that the remaining events on the tour are expected to proceed as planned, with enhanced security and crowd management measures.
Kolkata’s Deep Football Connection
The incident has drawn attention to Kolkata’s intense football culture. West Bengal, along with Kerala and Goa, has long been considered a football stronghold in cricket-dominated India. Legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona visited Kolkata twice and unveiled his statue in 2017 amid massive fanfare.
Messi himself has a history with the city, having played a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium in 2011, where Argentina defeated Venezuela 1–0. On Saturday, he also virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, underscoring his popularity in the region.
Questions Over Event Management
The vandalism has raised serious questions about event planning and security arrangements for high-profile international personalities in India. Sports administrators and crowd management experts have stressed the need for clearer communication with fans to manage expectations.
As visuals of the damaged stadium circulate widely, authorities face pressure to ensure accountability and restore confidence ahead of future international sporting and cultural events.