• Source:JND

Lionel Messi Kolkata Visit Chaos: Lionel Messi's brief visit to Kolkata ended up becoming an ugly instance as angry fans broke security protocols after failing to catch even a glimpse of the world's most popular footballer during his 22-minute appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday morning.

Fans had geared up and gathered for what was meant to be an incredibly memorable day for football fans in the City of Joy, but it turned into a virtual nightmare, with “less of Messi” and more of what many described as a complete mess as huge chaos and disappointing scenes prevailed inside the stadium.

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What Happened During Lionel Messi's Event At Salt Lake Stadium?

Messi arrived in the middle of the pitch as soon as the exhibition match between Mohun Bagan ‘Messi’ All Stars and Diamond Harbour ‘Messi’ All Stars ended. He then met the players of both teams with the organiser, Satadru Dutta, alongside.

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He then greeted the crowd with both hands in the air, acknowledging their remarkable support and for turning up in huge numbers. Notably, Messi was surrounded by a circular security arrangement, but some VVIPs and politicians were seen trying to breach it for selfies and an autograph of the legendary footballer.

 

What Led To Chaos At Salt Lake Stadium During Messi's Event?

While the number of people starting growing around Messi's security circle, promoter Shatadru Datta, organiser of the ‘GOAT Tour', along with security personnel, had to whisk Messi away. The Salt Lake Stadium turned into a scene of political dominance, with supporters of the ruling party breaching security and entering the field of play.

Fans felt betrayed as they couldn't even get a perfect glimpse of Messi during his little lap around the stadium. Having paid between Rs 4,500 and Rs 10,000 for tickets to watch the Argentine star, the crowd was quick to react, and then they hurled bottles and damaged fibreglass seats, forcing the police to intervene as they struggled to bring the situation under control.

"Here, a glass of cold drink costs Rs 150–200, yet we couldn't even catch a glimpse of Messi. People have spent a month's salary to see him. I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame. There wasn't even drinking water available,” an angry fan, Ajay Shah said.


No SRK, Ganguly And CM Mamta Banerjee At Messi's Event

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who had arrived in Kolkata for the special event, along with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, couldn't become a part of the programme as the event was cut short amid the chaos.

Notably, Messi had met Shahrukh a while ago as the legendary duo shared a warm handshake with the veteran footballer passing a broad smile.

While CM Mamata Banerjee has already formed a committee to investigate the whole incident, the West Bengal police has also come up with an explanation through a press conference. Rajeev Kumar, Director General of West Bengal Police, said that there was some kind of anger or anxiety in the fans, saying that Messi was not playing.

Here are the key points from the DGP (West Bengal) press conference:

1. ⁠The plan was that he would come here, wave, meet certain people and leave. Now the government has already constituted a committee that will look into all aspects, including whether there was any mismanagement on the organiser's side or anything else.

2. ⁠The organiser is giving in writing to those who are concerned that the tickets which have been sold should be refunded. Now the situation is under control.

3. We have already detained the organiser.


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