Football legend Lionel Messi's highly anticipated visit to Kolkata turned into a nightmare as fans erupted in chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, ripping out seats and throwing objects onto the field after the event ended abruptly.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologized to Messi and his fans, calling the mismanagement "deeply disturbing" and ordering a high-level probe into the incident.
What Went Wrong at the Event?
The event, part of Messi's India tour, drew massive crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar. However, poor organization led to frustration: fans who paid up to Rs 12,000 for tickets complained of not even seeing Messi properly, with the appearance lasting mere minutes. As disappointment boiled over, angry supporters vandalized the stadium, prompting police intervention and the arrest of the event organizer.
Mamata Banerjee, who was en route to the stadium, expressed shock in her statement: "I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers for this unfortunate incident." She emphasized that such lapses won't be tolerated and assured a thorough investigation.
Fan Reactions and Broader Impact
Social media exploded with videos of the rampage, with fans voicing outrage over the "blink-and-miss" appearance. This incident has raised questions about event management in India, especially for international stars, and could impact future tours.
As the probe unfolds, many are wondering if better planning could have prevented this. What do you think—fair frustration or overreaction? Share your views!