Messi Event Chaos Puts Kolkata in Global Spotlight
Kolkata, Dec 14: Disorder and vandalism during football icon Lionel Messi’s event at Yuva Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, have cast a shadow over Kolkata’s global image, with the episode attracting widespread attention from leading international media outlets.
Observers have pointed out that West Bengal, and Kolkata in particular, has returned to international headlines after a long gap, but this time for reasons that have raised serious concerns about event management and public order.
Prominent publications and broadcasters, including The New York Times, The Guardian and the BBC, carried detailed reports on the unrest, while the incident was also covered extensively by media organisations in Spain and France.
The New York Times ran a headline stating that the organiser of Lionel Messi’s India visit had been “detained” following what it termed “deeply disturbing chaos”. At the time the report was published, organiser Satadru Dutta of the ‘Goat India Tour’ had only been taken into custody for questioning and was formally arrested later.
In an elaborate account, the American daily described scenes at Yuva Bharati, noting that Messi was visible to the crowd only briefly. Although he was scheduled to remain on the field for over an hour, security personnel escorted him away within minutes of his arrival.
The report also referred to statements made by West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, while highlighting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s public apology and the government’s decision to constitute an inquiry committee. It further cited Sports Minister Arup Biswas, who declined to comment on the incident.
The New York Times also contextualised the episode by pointing out that while Kolkata is known for its passionate football following, cricket remains the most popular sport across India.
Meanwhile, the BBC headlined the incident as angry spectators hurling chairs and bottles during Messi’s appearance in Kolkata. According to its report, Messi became visibly uncomfortable as officials and political figures crowded around him. After spending only about 22 minutes on the field, he was escorted away citing security concerns.
The broadcaster reported that Messi’s early exit triggered outrage among fans, leading to disorder inside the stadium. Many spectators, some of whom had paid as much as Rs 12,000 for tickets, were left disappointed as the football star was barely visible from large sections of the venue.
The BBC also noted Chief Minister Banerjee’s apology, quoting her as saying she was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the turn of events.
The disturbance at Yuva Bharati also found space in European media, particularly in Spain and France, countries closely associated with Messi’s club career. Spanish sports daily Marca carried the headline “Absolute Chaos”, reporting that the Inter Miami forward entered the field but departed within 22 minutes, leaving fans frustrated after spending large sums for a brief glimpse.
France’s leading sports newspaper L’Equipe described the episode as “Disturbing”, stating that Messi was in India as part of a promotional visit. It added that overcrowding around the footballer sparked intense dissatisfaction among spectators, making the stadium experience distressing for many. (Edited)