West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her deep shock and distress regarding the chaotic mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium during football superstar Lionel Messi’s recent visit. The event, which was highly anticipated by thousands of fans, quickly descended into disorder as disappointed attendees responded to the unexpected situation.
In a heartfelt message posted on X, Banerjee apologized to Messi and the fans, stating, “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today.” She noted that she was en route to the event, which was held for the enthusiastic sports lovers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favorite player. Banerjee emphasized that the unfortunate incident was unacceptable and pledged to take action.
To address the turmoil, she announced the formation of an enquiry committee led by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, accompanied by the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department. This committee is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, determining accountability, and recommending measures to prevent such mishaps in the future. Banerjee reiterated her sincere apologies to all sports enthusiasts affected by the events that unfolded.
Chaos erupted at the stadium when Messi, who appeared at a ticketed event, cut his appearance short, leaving many fans frustrated and feeling misled. Videos circulating on social media show scenes of chaos as spectators broke through barricades and expressed their anger, feeling they did not receive the experience they had paid for, with ticket prices ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000. One disgruntled attendee complained, “The minimum price of the ticket was 5 thousand, and why were the VVIPs around Messi? We couldn’t even see him… Everyone was furious. We want a refund.” Another fan described the situation as an “absolute disgrace,” highlighting that Messi failed to complete a full lap of the stadium as many had hoped.
The backlash from the event underscores the importance of effective crowd management and communication at high-profile gatherings, and it serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when expectations do not align with reality. As investigations proceed, there is hope that this incident will lead to improvements in event management, ensuring that fans can enjoy future events in a safe and organized environment.