Chaos at Salt Lake stadium over Messi event

Chaos broke out at Salt Lake stadium on Saturday as thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear view of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi during a much-hyped event. The unrest escalated to baton charges by police, prompting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to order a high-level enquiry.

What was expected to be a grand football spectacle turned into frustration and disorder as Messi’s brief, tightly cordoned appearance left many fans, who had paid hefty sums for tickets, disappointed.

Messi, accompanied by long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul, arrived at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan around 11.30 am. His vehicle was parked near the touchline, and as he stepped onto the field, he was immediately surrounded by VIPs, organisers, celebrities, and security personnel, leaving spectators in the stands struggling for a view.

The football legend walked only a short distance on the pitch, waving briefly toward the crowd amid chants of “Messi, Messi.” However, large sections of the stadium could barely see him, and even the giant screens failed to offer a clear view.

Tensions rose when Messi did not complete the scheduled stadium lap. Instead, he turned back midway and was escorted out before the planned end of the programme. News of his early departure triggered outrage. Fans hurled bottles and plastic chairs onto the pitch, tore down sponsor banners, smashed seats, and tried to breach barricades to reach the field.

Protesters demanded the arrest of state Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and event organiser Shatadru Datta, blaming them for gross mismanagement. Eyewitnesses noted organisers had vanished from the ground shortly after Messi left, leaving the crowd largely unattended.

Hundreds of spectators surged onto the pitch, dismantling temporary tents and damaging equipment. Police struggled to regain control, prompting the deployment of the Rapid Action Force.

“This was complete mismanagement,” said Ajay Shah, a football fan who attended with his son. “People spent a month’s salary to see Messi. I paid Rs 5,000 for a ticket. We came to watch Messi, not politicians. There was no drinking water, and even the police were busy taking selfies.”

Ticket prices ranged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000, with many fans arriving early in hopes of seeing the star. The unrest also forced the abrupt curtailment of the programme, affecting several dignitaries, including Shah Rukh Khan, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee later expressed shock over the mismanagement, announcing a high-level enquiry committee and apologising to Messi and fans via a post on X. “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium. Thousands of fans had gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of the World Cup-winning star,” she said.

The enquiry panel, chaired by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the chief secretary and additional chief secretary of Home and Hill Affairs as members, will investigate the incident, assign responsibility, and recommend preventive measures.

Governor CV Ananda Bose described the day as “dark” for Kolkata’s sports lovers, directing the state government to arrest the organiser and criticising both organisers and police for failing the public and the government.

For a city with a deep footballing culture, the shattered chairs, torn banners, and enraged fans starkly contrasted with the excitement Messi’s visit had promised.