Indian police have detained the chief organiser of Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata after disorder broke out at a ticketed stadium event, leaving fans angry, property damaged and authorities facing renewed scrutiny over crowd management at major sporting functions.
The incident occurred on Saturday at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the capital of the eastern state of West Bengal, where thousands of fans had gathered to see the Argentine football icon as part of a high-profile tour of India. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, made only a brief appearance before leaving the venue amid escalating unrest in the stands.
Plastic water bottles and chairs are seen scattered on the field after Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi leaves the stadium
Detention of Event Organiser
Satadru Dutta, identified by police as the chief organiser of the event, has been detained for questioning, according to Rajeev Kumar, Director General of West Bengal Police. Authorities said the action followed widespread complaints of mismanagement that contributed to the crowd losing control.
“We’ve already detained the main organiser,” Kumar told reporters. “We are taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished.” He added that Dutta had given a written assurance that tickets sold for the event would be refunded.
Police said further action would depend on the findings of an ongoing investigation into security arrangements, ticketing practices and coordination between organisers and local authorities.
What Went Wrong at Salt Lake Stadium
Messi had been scheduled to spend around 45 minutes at the stadium, interacting with fans during what was billed as a celebratory appearance. Instead, his visit reportedly lasted about 20 minutes. As it became clear that the footballer would not remain on the field as long as expected, frustration among spectators grew rapidly.
Fans began ripping seats from the stands and throwing debris, including pieces of plastic chairs, onto the pitch. Several people climbed over barriers separating the stands from the field, prompting security concerns. Objects were hurled toward the playing area, creating a chaotic and potentially dangerous situation.
One attendee, Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, who travelled nearly 1,500 kilometres over two days from the northeastern state of Mizoram, said the experience was deeply disappointing. “I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement,” he told Reuters. “Messi left quickly. I think he felt unsafe. I hardly got a glimpse of him.”
Ticket Prices and Fan Expectations
Tickets for the event were priced from around 3,500 rupees (approximately $39), a significant sum in a country where that amount exceeds the average weekly income for many workers. Some fans said they paid far more through secondary sellers, with at least one attendee claiming to have spent about $130.
The high ticket prices raised expectations of meaningful interaction or extended viewing time, and analysts say the gap between what was promised and what was delivered likely contributed to the anger in the crowd.
The organisers of the tour did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the incident.
Government Response and Apology
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised to Messi and to fans, describing the scenes at the stadium as deeply troubling. Banerjee said she was on her way to the event when the situation spiralled out of control.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” she wrote in a post on X. “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”
She announced the formation of a committee to conduct a detailed inquiry, identify those responsible and recommend steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The committee is expected to examine event planning, crowd control measures and coordination between private organisers and state authorities.
Messi’s India Tour Continues
Messi is in India as part of a multi-city tour that includes appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. His schedule features youth football clinics, concerts, a padel tournament and the launch of charitable initiatives aimed at promoting sports development.
Earlier on Saturday, Messi virtually unveiled a 70-foot statue of himself in Kolkata, adding to the city’s long-standing association with Argentine football legends. Messi also has personal history with the venue: he captained Argentina for the first time at Salt Lake Stadium in a 1–0 friendly win over Venezuela in 2011.
A History of Crowd Trouble
Salt Lake Stadium has previously witnessed incidents of crowd violence. In 2012, a high-profile Kolkata derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan was abandoned after a brick thrown from the stands struck a player, causing serious injury. The latest unrest has renewed debate about stadium safety and crowd management in Indian football.
Despite cricket dominating India’s sporting landscape, states such as West Bengal, Kerala and Goa have deep-rooted football cultures, with passionate fan bases that often turn out in large numbers for marquee events.
Broader Implications
The incident has raised questions about the commercialisation of celebrity sports visits, the responsibilities of private organisers, and the preparedness of authorities to manage emotionally charged crowds. As investigations continue, officials say restoring public trust—and ensuring fan safety—will be critical if India hopes to host similar high-profile sporting events in the future.
Source:Africa Publicity
