Chaos at Kolkata Stadium: Angry Fans Riot After Messi’s Abrupt Exit
Frustrated fans throw chairs and bottles after Messi leaves Kolkata stadium early during promotional event
- Fans riot at Kolkata stadium after Lionel Messi leaves event early, throwing chairs and bottles
- Thousands of ticket-holders express anger, citing poor organisation and limited access to the football star
- Authorities respond, arresting the chief organiser and launching an inquiry into the incident
Frustrated fans at Lionel Messi’s promotional event in Kolkata, India, hurled chairs, bottles, and other items onto the pitch after the football star left the stadium early, sparking chaos among the crowd.
Thousands of supporters, who had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100/$133) for a chance to see the Argentina and Inter Miami forward, were disappointed when Messi appeared briefly, walking around the pitch but largely obscured by officials and celebrities. After just 20 minutes, security whisked him away, prompting elements of the crowd to vandalise banners and tents in protest.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident, calling it “deeply disturbing and shocking,” and announced an inquiry to determine responsibility and prevent future occurrences.
She also apologised to Messi and sports fans for the mismanaged event.
A spokesperson for Messi confirmed he had fulfilled his pre-agreed appearance time, while police said the chief organiser of the event had been arrested. Authorities are also exploring how ticket refunds could be issued for disgruntled attendees.
Messi’s India tour, dubbed the ‘GOAT [Greatest of All Time] Tour’, includes appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. The Kolkata leg began with the unveiling of a 70-foot statue, assembled over 27 days, but fans had hoped to watch the football star in person, possibly playing a short exhibition match.
Many attendees expressed anger that politicians and celebrities dominated the event, leaving ordinary fans unable to see Messi properly. Some had travelled hundreds of kilometres and spent a significant portion of their monthly income on tickets, only to leave disappointed.
Messi’s brief appearance included companions Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, and he also met Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan earlier in the day. The event highlighted the city’s passionate football fanbase, even in a cricket-centric nation like India.
