Lionel Messi Kolkata Event Sparks Chaos, AIFF Denies Involvement

A star-studded football event featuring Lionel Messi in Kolkata descended into chaos on Saturday. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially distanced itself from the fiasco. It happened at the Salt Lake Stadium, leaving thousands of angry fans outraged.

The federation stated it was neither informed nor involved in the private event’s planning. This left crowd management and security critically inadequate, according to reports from ANI and PTI.

AIFF Issues Formal Statement Amidst Fan Fury

The AIFF expressed deep concern over the incident. In a statement reported by ANI, it clarified the event was organized by a private PR agency. The federation received no details and granted no clearance for the gathering.

It urged all attendees to cooperate with authorities for safety. The statement emphasized that security should have been the top priority. This formal separation highlights a major breakdown in event coordination.

Thousands had paid significant sums for tickets. Many travelled long distances hoping to see Messi’s first appearance at the stadium since 2011. Their experience was marred by poor organization and VIP access issues.

Stadium Chaos and Security Probe Underway

What was planned as a grand celebration quickly turned violent. Frustrated fans threw water bottles and tore out stadium seats. Police are investigating how banned bottled beverages were sold inside at high prices.

A key trigger was Messi’s brief, tightly-controlled appearance on the pitch. The view for ordinary fans was blocked by a swarm of VVIPs and politicians. According to PTI, this group seemed more focused on taking selfies than managing the event.

The fallout includes an arrest. Police have detained event organizer Satadru Dutta for questioning. The broader implications point to severe lapses in permitting and crowd control protocols for high-profile events in India.

The Lionel Messi Kolkata event failure serves as a stark warning for future celebrity appearances. It underscores the vital need for transparent planning and robust security to protect fan safety and trust.

Thought you’d like to know

Who has been arrested in connection with the Messi event?

Event organizer Satadru Dutta has been arrested. Police are questioning him and his manager regarding the planning and security lapses that led to the chaos.

How much did fans pay to attend the event?

Official ticket prices ranged from ₹4,000 to ₹12,000. Reports indicate some fans paid as much as ₹20,000 on the black market to secure entry.

Why was the AIFF not involved?

The AIFF stated this was a privately organized event by a PR agency. The federation was not consulted, and no clearance or operational details were shared with them beforehand.

What caused fans to become violent?

Frustration erupted due to poor crowd management, blocked views by VVIPs, and the exorbitant sale of banned water bottles. Messi’s very brief appearance without a football demonstration worsened tensions.

Will this affect future celebrity events in India?

This incident will likely force stricter oversight and coordination for large-scale events. Organizers will face greater scrutiny regarding security plans and fan management protocols.