Kolkata, 13 December (Udaipur Kiran) – Severe disorder broke out during the international football star Lionel Messi’s event at Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. The crowd began creating chaos well before the scheduled time, resulting in damage to the gallery and attempts to set fire on the field. Due to the security concerns, Messi had to leave the event midway, raising serious questions about the safety arrangements.
Messi’s car arrived at the venue at 11:30 am along with his longtime teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. A large number of football fans had gathered, but as Messi stepped out, the crowd tried to surround him. This prevented many spectators from properly seeing Messi, Suarez, and De Paul. Some people in the crowd were shouting “We want Messi.”
The situation soon escalated as angry spectators began breaking seats in the gallery and throwing them onto the field. Several tents on the field were set on fire. Police tried to control the situation but struggled to manage such a large crowd.
According to sources, around 2,000 to 2,500 people broke through the fencing to enter the field. The crowd damaged the stadium’s goalpost nets and harmed the tunnel’s lighting arrangements. Police had to resort to baton charge to regain control during this international event.
Because of the unrest, Messi had to leave the venue without completing the scheduled programme. Sponsor banners were torn down, and chairs were thrown in some areas.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and sorrow on the social media platform X. She wrote, “I am shocked and disturbed by the disorder that occurred at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday morning. I apologise to Lionel Messi, all sports lovers, and their supporters for this unfortunate incident.” She announced the formation of a special inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
The committee will be headed by retired Judge Asim Kumar Roy and will include the state Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, and officials from the Home and Hill Affairs departments. The Chief Minister stated that the committee will conduct a thorough review, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Eyewitnesses said the event began with enthusiasm and excitement as fans had been eagerly waiting to see Messi. However, the crowd’s energy became uncontrollable and turned violent, making the stadium atmosphere chaotic and forcing the early termination of the event.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sought forgiveness from all sports enthusiasts and assured that the inquiry committee will work with full impartiality and transparency.
(Udaipur Kiran)
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
