Lionel Messi fans in Kolkata were left bitterly disappointed during his “GOAT Tour” visit today December 13, after the football icon’s public appearance at Salt Lake Stadium lasted only about 20 minutes amid chaos and poor event management.
Main Organiser Shatadru Dutta Arrested
In a significant development, Shatadru Dutta, the main organiser of the event, has been arrested following the widespread chaos and protests at the stadium.
Governor Demands Immediate Arrest of Organisers
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose strongly reacted to the chaotic situation, advocating for the swift arrest of the event organisers. He stated, “The organiser must be arrested immediately. The money of the thousands of people who spent their hard-earned money on expensive tickets must be refunded. Furthermore, the organising agency must compensate for the damage caused to the stadium and the spirit of the sport.”
Protesters Set Fire to Sofas Inside Yuva Bharati Stadium
Following Lionel Messi’s early departure, massive protests erupted at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium).
Widespread vandalism occurred inside the stadium.
Protesters set fire to sofas inside the premises. Police promptly intervened and extinguished the fire.
Kunal Ghosh Questions the “Shame” Brought to Kolkata
Kunal Ghosh, a prominent political figure, publicly questioned the event’s mismanagement, asking: “Why was Messi surrounded by a chaotic crowd of ‘hangers-on’? Why was he not allowed to walk alone during the stadium parade? Why were the gallery spectators deprived?”
He posted on social media, condemning the lack of planning: “Why did the incompetent organizers fail to show even minimal planning? Was it just about money? Just business? Everyone was deprived because of these organizers and a few sycophants.”
Ghosh also recalled Messi’s previous visit in 2011, noting that the star had watched the game from near the corner flag at the same venue without any excessive fanfare or chaos.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Orders Investigation Committee
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her strong disapproval after her convoy was forced to turn back mid-route due to the disorder.
She apologized to both Messi and the disappointed spectators.
She announced the formation of an investigation committee to look into the matter.
The committee will be chaired by retired Justice Asim Kumar Roy. The State Chief Secretary and the Additional Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department will serve as members.
Mamata-Messi Meeting Aborted Due to Disorder
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had planned to visit the Yuva Bharati Stadium to meet and felicitate the football superstar. However, due to the severe disruption, she was unable to reach the venue and had to turn her convoy around.
The CM was scheduled to honor Messi on behalf of the state government.
The situation became severely chaotic when Messi left the stadium after only 10 minutes, prompting enraged fans to spill onto the field.
The Chief Minister was heading toward the stadium and had reached the Metropolitan area, but upon receiving reports of the immense disorder, she returned mid-journey.
Messi Departs, Spectators Erupt in Anger
After spending significant amounts of money on tickets, many spectators felt they barely got a glimpse of the football icon.
The crowd at Yuva Bharati erupted in anger and frustration.
Messi’s departure after only 10 minutes intensified the outrage.
Disappointed spectators vociferously demanded refunds.
Messi Unveils His Statue Virtually
Lionel Messi, returning to Kolkata after 14 years, was met with immense excitement. From his hotel, he virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue in Lake Town, an event attended by state Minister Sujit Bose. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan also arrived in Kolkata and was seen meeting Messi at the hotel before the star proceeded to the packed Yuva Bharati Stadium.