A Messi affair: What led to the chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium? Explained

A Messi affair: What led to the chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium? Explained

Lionel Messi (Image credit: PTI) NW DELHI: Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated stop in Kolkata during the G.O.A.T. Tour of India 2025 descended into disorder on Saturday, as poor crowd management and security lapses overshadowed what was meant to be a landmark event for Indian football fans. Thousands packed the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium)…

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NEW DELHI: West Bengal Police on Saturday detained the main organiser of an event in Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium after chaos erupted over Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s brief appearance.During a press briefing, Kolkata DGP Rajeev Kumar said that the police are taking action to ensure the mismanagement “does not go unpunished.”“We have already detained the main organiser. We are taking action to ensure this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” he said.”Peace has to be restored immediately. That has been taken care of. Traffic is normal. People have all gone back home. The incident has been localised and limited to Salt Lake Stadium. It’s a big incident. We are on the job and will ensure that whoever is responsible for this thing that has happened today at Salt Lake Stadium will be punished and all kinds of action will be taken against the concerned authorities,” he added.Chaos erupted at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata as thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear glimpse of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi during a much-hyped event, prompting police to baton-charge and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to order a high-level enquiry.What was billed as a marquee football spectacle turned into anger and disorder as Messi’s brief and tightly ring-fenced appearance, his first at the venue since 2011, left large sections of the crowd frustrated despite many having paid hefty sums for tickets.Accompanied by long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Messi, the World Cup-winning captain, arrived at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan around 11.30 am.Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee apologized to Lionel Messi and thousands of fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the football icon.In a post on X, Banerjee said “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.”I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional chief secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members,” she wrote.”The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers,” she added further.(This is a developing story)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHouse Democrats Push To Scrap Donald Trump’s India Tariffs As Congress Challenges Emergency PowersMessi’s Kolkata Visit Turns Chaotic As Angry Fans Vandalise Banners At Salt Lake Stadium’PM Not Always Wrong’: Ex-Congress Leader Ashwani Kumar, Calls Party Revival A National ObligationAction Over Rhetoric: CDS Anil Chauhan Sends A Calm But Clear Signal To Pakistan Amid Op SindoorWhen Optics Fail: Top Five Global Moments That Turned Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Into A Meme’No Free Lift For India’: PM Modi’s Chief Economic Adviser Says China Won’t Repeat West’s MistakeMessi Lands In Kolkata At 2.26am, City Erupts As GOAT India Tour Sparks Midnight Frenzy Scenes Now!’No Place For Tukde Tukde Slogans’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Warns Against Divisive Language In IndiaIndia Speeds Up Visas For Chinese Businesses Amid Thaw In Ties; Beijing Calls It ‘Positive Move’India’s Ambassador To UNESCO Hails Inscription Of Diwali On Intangible Cultural Heritage List123PhotostoriesDelhi Metro begins construction on Golden Line’s Saket–Lajpat corridor – India’s 1st 3-coach routeLife Lessons You Can Learn From Lord Ganesha According To Your Birth DateThe unluckiest film title in Bollywood history: How one name triggered flops, career crashes, and chaosWhat your energy attracts when you’re tired, angry or hopefulNot just blood in urine: 4 warning signs of prostate cancer you should not ignoreTop dog breeds that are perfect for kidsFrom ‘Kaantha’ to ‘F1: The Movie’: Latest OTT releases to watch this weekendBrain health in kids: 5 breakfast foods to boost concentration power in kidsWorkouts for muscle growth in women after 405 unforgettable love quotes by Durjoy Datta that will touch your heart123Hot PicksMukesh Ambani vs Gautam AdaniDonald TrumpAnurag ThakurGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingSherrone MooreKell MooreH1B Fee HikeWho is Mia SoretyWho is Jeff ShiverNick FuentesDaniel JonesMeghan MarkleShehbaz SharifPaige Shiver Net Worth

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Police on Saturday detained the main organiser of an event in Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium after chaos erupted over Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s brief appearance.During a press briefing, Kolkata DGP Rajeev Kumar said that the police are taking action to ensure the mismanagement “does not go unpunished.”“We have already detained the main organiser. We are taking action to ensure this mismanagement does not go unpunished,” he said.”Peace has to be restored immediately. That has been taken care of. Traffic is normal. People have all gone back home. The incident has been localised and limited to Salt Lake Stadium. It’s a big incident. We are on the job and will ensure that whoever is responsible for this thing that has happened today at Salt Lake Stadium will be punished and all kinds of action will be taken against the concerned authorities,” he added.Chaos erupted at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata as thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear glimpse of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi during a much-hyped event, prompting police to baton-charge and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to order a high-level enquiry.What was billed as a marquee football spectacle turned into anger and disorder as Messi’s brief and tightly ring-fenced appearance, his first at the venue since 2011, left large sections of the crowd frustrated despite many having paid hefty sums for tickets.Accompanied by long-time strike partner Luis Suárez and Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Messi, the World Cup-winning captain, arrived at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan around 11.30 am.Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee apologized to Lionel Messi and thousands of fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the football icon.In a post on X, Banerjee said “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.”I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional chief secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members,” she wrote.”The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, I extend my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers,” she added further.(This is a developing story)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHouse Democrats Push To Scrap Donald Trump’s India Tariffs As Congress Challenges Emergency PowersMessi’s Kolkata Visit Turns Chaotic As Angry Fans Vandalise Banners At Salt Lake Stadium’PM Not Always Wrong’: Ex-Congress Leader Ashwani Kumar, Calls Party Revival A National ObligationAction Over Rhetoric: CDS Anil Chauhan Sends A Calm But Clear Signal To Pakistan Amid Op SindoorWhen Optics Fail: Top Five Global Moments That Turned Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Into A Meme’No Free Lift For India’: PM Modi’s Chief Economic Adviser Says China Won’t Repeat West’s MistakeMessi Lands In Kolkata At 2.26am, City Erupts As GOAT India Tour Sparks Midnight Frenzy Scenes Now!’No Place For Tukde Tukde Slogans’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Warns Against Divisive Language In IndiaIndia Speeds Up Visas For Chinese Businesses Amid Thaw In Ties; Beijing Calls It ‘Positive Move’India’s Ambassador To UNESCO Hails Inscription Of Diwali On Intangible Cultural Heritage List123PhotostoriesDelhi Metro begins construction on Golden Line’s Saket–Lajpat corridor – India’s 1st 3-coach routeLife Lessons You Can Learn From Lord Ganesha According To Your Birth DateThe unluckiest film title in Bollywood history: How one name triggered flops, career crashes, and chaosWhat your energy attracts when you’re tired, angry or hopefulNot just blood in urine: 4 warning signs of prostate cancer you should not ignoreTop dog breeds that are perfect for kidsFrom ‘Kaantha’ to ‘F1: The Movie’: Latest OTT releases to watch this weekendBrain health in kids: 5 breakfast foods to boost concentration power in kidsWorkouts for muscle growth in women after 405 unforgettable love quotes by Durjoy Datta that will touch your heart123Hot PicksMukesh Ambani vs Gautam AdaniDonald TrumpAnurag ThakurGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingSherrone MooreKell MooreH1B Fee HikeWho is Mia SoretyWho is Jeff ShiverNick FuentesDaniel JonesMeghan MarkleShehbaz SharifPaige Shiver Net Worth

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Police on Saturday detained the main organiser of an event in Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium after chaos erupted over Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s brief appearance.During a press briefing, Kolkata DGP Rajeev Kumar said that the police are taking action to ensure the mismanagement “does not go unpunished.”“We have already detained…

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NEW DELHI: What began as a moment of celebration during Lionel Messi’s Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour turned into chaos on Saturday as fans expressed their disappointment when the Argentine legend left the Salt Lake Stadium much earlier than planned, leaving the crowd furious.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Many spectators…

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