At Salt Lake Stadium in West Bengal’s capital, a chaotic scene unfolded as frustrated fans tossed torn stadium seats and other debris onto the pitch. Some even scaled the perimeter fence to throw objects, expressing their discontent.
A fan remarked to Reuters, “Messi made a quick exit; he seemed to feel threatened. I barely caught a glimpse of him.”
The supporters were incensed because, despite paying high ticket prices, they missed the chance to see their beloved football icon. Source: SIPA USA / Hindustan Times/Hindustan Times/Sipa USA
In response to the disorder, police have detained Satadru Dutta, the main organizer of the event, according to officials.
Rajeev Kumar, the director general of West Bengal police, told journalists, “We’re implementing measures to ensure that those responsible for this mismanagement are held accountable.”
“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she said.
A fan takes a selfie with Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium. Source: AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar
She said she was constituting a committee to conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, assign responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation,” a statement said.
The event’s chief organiser has been detained by police. Source: SIPA USA / DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY/Debajyoti Chakraborty/News Images/Sipa USA
Multiple incidents of fan riots have taken place at Salt Lake stadium, including during a Kolkata derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in 2012 which was abandoned after a brick thrown from the stands hit a player, seriously injuring him.
