Messi Kolkata Event Erupts in Chaos as Organizer Detained Over Mismanagement

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata on Saturday ended in turmoil. Widespread protests and vandalism erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium following severe fan disappointment. The event’s chief organizer was detained by police amidst allegations of gross mismanagement.

West Bengal’s Director General of Police confirmed the detention. He stated an inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident. According to Reuters, the situation is now under control but marks a significant failure in event planning.

Fan Fury Leads to Stadium Vandalism and Police Action

Frustration boiled over when Messi’s appearance was brief and heavily restricted. The star, accompanied by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, was surrounded by a thick security cordon. Most of the thousands of fans in attendance could barely see him.

Anger intensified when Messi cut short a planned stadium walk. He was escorted out well ahead of schedule. In response, the crowd began throwing bottles and plastic chairs onto the pitch.

Protesters tore down banners and damaged stadium seating. They attempted to breach barricades to reach the field. Police were forced to use a baton charge to restore order.

Political Fallout and Demands for Accountability

The fallout from the event reached the highest levels of state government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a high-level inquiry into the fiasco. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose criticized the organizers for prioritizing commercialization over fan sentiment.

Bose stated the authorities failed to understand the fan mentality. He noted people came with great expectations to see their hero. The focus on money-making, he said, was a primary cause of the failure.

Fans at the scene directed their anger at specific officials. They chanted for the arrest of the state’s Sports Minister and the event organizer. The promise of a full ticket refund was announced but did little to calm the initial rage.

The chaotic Messi Kolkata event has severely damaged fan trust and raised major questions about large-scale event management in the region. Organizers now face legal scrutiny and a massive financial liability.

Info at your fingertips

Why was the event organizer detained?

The chief organizer was detained by West Bengal Police. This followed charges of gross mismanagement related to the Lionel Messi event. A state inquiry is investigating the specific failures.

Will fans get their money back for tickets?

Yes. Authorities have stated the organizer is providing written assurances for refunds. This applies to all tickets sold for the disappointing event.

What exactly did the fans vandalize?

Protesters threw bottles and chairs onto the football pitch. They also tore down sponsor banners and damaged stadium fiberglass seating in their frustration.

Did any political leaders comment on the situation?

Yes. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered an inquiry. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose blamed organizers for commercializing the visit and ignoring fan sentiment.

How did the 2024 event compare to Messi’s 2011 visit?

Messi’s 2011 visit to the same stadium was a full exhibition match. The 2024 event was a brief, non-playing appearance with very limited fan access, leading to the disappointment.