The organizer of Lionel Messi’s recent tour stop in India has been detained following a tumultuous event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The incident occurred after fans surged onto the pitch during Messi’s brief appearance, resulting in significant damage to the stadium and chaos among the crowd.
Video footage shows an overwhelming number of attendees storming the field, tearing up seats, throwing objects, and vandalizing properties within the stadium. Thousands had paid substantial sums for entry, some up to 12,000 rupees (approximately £100 or $133) to see the football star; however, Messi’s on-field time was drastically cut short to just 20 minutes, causing frustration among the supporters who were expecting a longer engagement.
West Bengal police confirmed that Satadru Dutta, identified as the main organizer of the event, has been taken into custody. Rajeev Kumar, the director general of West Bengal police, stated that the action is part of an investigation into the event’s mismanagement. He assured that steps would be taken to ensure fans receive adequate compensation for the chaotic experience.
In a press conference, West Bengal’s Governor C. V. Ananda Bose called for a full investigation into the organizer’s actions and demanded ticket refunds. Additionally, he requested that the organizer’s bank accounts be frozen to cover damages caused to the stadium.
The situation escalated to the point where police had to use mild force to disperse crowds that had gathered outside Messi’s hotel after the event. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed concern regarding the incident but clarified that it had no involvement in the organization of the private event.
Messi was on the inaugural stop of his three-day GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour in India, which includes further appearances in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, mixing public appearances with cultural activities. Prominent figures like former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan were anticipated to join Messi during these events.
The chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium came after a friendly exhibition match and a prior virtual unveiling of a 70-foot statue dedicated to Messi, built in his honor. Kolkata, known for its deep-welled football fanbase, last hosted Messi in 2011 during an international match.
In a positive turn, the Hyderabad police have expressed confidence in their preparations for the upcoming events, indicating that safety and crowd management measures in their jurisdiction are significantly enhanced compared to Kolkata. Messi’s tour will proceed as planned, with officials hopeful for a more controlled experience moving forward.