Chaos During Messi’s Tour of India
The organizer of Lionel Messi’s tour in India has been placed in police custody for 14 days following a chaotic incident after Messi’s short appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Video footage shows a large number of fans storming the pitch, damaging seats, and vandalizing the stadium after the event, which had an 85,000 capacity.
According to Rajeev Kumar, the West Bengal police’s director general, the main organizer has been detained as part of the investigation. Reports indicate that Satadru Dutta was the individual taken into custody. On Sunday, Dutta’s lawyer announced that his bail plea was denied, resulting in the police custody order.
Many fans had spent up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) for entry, but Messi, aged 38 and currently with Inter Miami, only spent about 20 minutes at the stadium, accompanied by teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul. Fans were frustrated due to Messi’s brief appearance and swift exit, as he was expected to stay longer.
Kumar emphasized the need for accountability to ensure that such mismanagement is not overlooked. West Bengal’s governor, C. V. Ananda Bose, held a press conference demanding the arrest of the event organizer, refunds for tickets, and compensation for the inflicted damage on the stadium.
Reports stated that police had to use ‘mild force’ to disperse crowds outside Messi’s hotel where he was staying. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed concern over the situation but clarified their lack of involvement in the event’s planning or execution.
Messi’s tour signifies the initiation of his three-day GOAT (Greatest of All Time) tour across India, which includes stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, mixing public appearances with cultural events. Notable figures such as former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly are also set to participate in related activities.
In a statement reflecting on the events, West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, issued a public apology to Messi and the fans, announcing the establishment of an investigation committee to address the incident and prevent future occurrences. The ongoing tour is expected to continue to Mumbai and New Delhi, with the city’s authorities improving organization for the next events.
