Summary
- Thousands of fans gathered to see Messi during his highly anticipated lap of honour.
- The appearance was abruptly cut short (lasting only fleeting moments) due to an unexpected surge of spectators onto the field.
- Spectators were disappointed and angry, many claiming they could not see Messi live or on giant screens.
- The situation deteriorated into vandalism: visual displays and banners were damaged, seating areas were vandalised, and chairs were hurled.
- Security personnel swiftly intervened and escorted Messi off the field within minutes to prevent escalation.
GOAT Tour Gone Wrong in Kolkata: Lionel Messi’s Appearance Ends in Chaos at Kolkata Stadium; Event Organiser Arrested, Probe Ordered
Kolkata Dec 13: Kolkata’s celebrated passion for football turned into widespread disappointment on Saturday after Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium descended into disorder, prompting police action and the arrest of the event’s principal organiser.
Thousands of fans gathered at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan to catch a glimpse of the Argentine football legend, who was in India as part of his global GOAT Tour. However, the much-awaited moment unravelled rapidly when an unexpected surge of spectators disrupted Messi’s brief lap of honour. Security personnel swiftly intervened and escorted him off the field within minutes to prevent escalation.
The abrupt end to the appearance triggered anger among spectators, many of whom claimed they could neither see Messi on the field nor on the giant screens despite waiting for hours. Fans who had purchased high-priced tickets voiced sharp criticism, alleging that tight security arrangements and reserved seating for politicians and dignitaries severely obstructed visibility.
As frustration mounted, the situation inside the stadium deteriorated further. Visual displays and banners were damaged, seating areas were vandalised, and chairs were hurled, raising serious questions over crowd management at one of India’s largest sporting venues. Outside the stadium, agitated supporters told reporters that Messi’s presence lasted only a few fleeting moments, far from what had been promised.
Following the chaos, police arrested Satadru Dutta, identified as the principal organiser of the mega event. According to officials, the arrest was made later in the day as investigations began into alleged mismanagement and lapses that led to the unrest.
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Jawed Shamim confirmed that a first information report would be registered in connection with the incident. He stated that authorities would conduct a comprehensive inquiry to determine the causes of the breakdown in arrangements, adding that accountability would be fixed and those responsible would face legal action.
Police have also instructed the organisers to initiate a refund process for ticket buyers affected by the disruption. Meanwhile, senior police sources revealed that Dutta was detained at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport while attempting to leave Kolkata and is currently being questioned.
The incident has cast a shadow over what was billed as a historic footballing moment for the city, transforming fan devotion into disillusionment and placing event management standards under intense scrutiny. (Edited)
