Kolkata, India – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a public apology following a chaotic event at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, where football superstar Lionel Messi was the guest of honor. The event, part of Messi's GOAT Tour India 2025, was marred by mismanagement and security breaches, leading to widespread frustration among fans.
Banerjee expressed her dismay in a statement, saying she was "deeply disturbed and shocked" by the incidents that unfolded. She stated that she was on her way to the stadium to attend the event with thousands of sports lovers and fans. "I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," Banerjee added.
The chaos erupted as massive crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of Messi, who was making an appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium. Reports indicate that the situation quickly spiraled out of control, with angry fans vandalizing the stadium and throwing bottles onto the ground, expressing their disappointment and frustration. Police used mild force to disperse the crowd.
Many attendees felt shortchanged, alleging poor organization and limited access to the football icon. Some fans expressed outrage that Messi only stayed at the stadium for approximately 10 to 22 minutes. They complained that politicians, ministers and corporate officials surrounded him, obstructing the view for the general public who had paid significant sums for tickets. Adding to the disappointment, fans who were expecting an appearance by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan were also let down.
"It was an absolutely pathetic event. He came for just ten minutes... Messi was brought for ten minutes and then left — it was a complete fraud," one irate fan told reporters. Another fan lamented, "So much people's money, emotions and time were wasted; we couldn't see anything".
The Telegraph India reported that Messi's presence was barely visible, even from the press box, due to the overwhelming crowd and security. Frustrated fans chanted "We Want Messi" and booed at the mismanagement. Following Messi's departure, some attendees hurled plastic bottles and trash, while others attempted to breach barricades.
In response to the turmoil, Banerjee has constituted an enquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee, led by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, includes the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members. The committee is tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry, fixing responsibility, and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has cast a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory occasion for football fans in Kolkata. Banerjee's swift apology and commitment to investigating the matter underscore the government's concern and determination to address the failures that led to the chaos.
