Police detain organiser, promise refunds post Messi mayhem at Salt Lake stadium

Kolkata’s much-hyped Messi moment turned into an afternoon of anger and disarray — and by late evening, the city’s law enforcement stepped in to restore order and accountability.

Following violent scenes at Salt Lake Stadium, where thousands of fans vented their frustration after failing to catch even a glimpse of Lionel Messi, top police officials confirmed that the situation was now under control and that strict action had been initiated against the organisers.




“There was some kind of anger or anxiety in the fans saying that he’s not playing,” said DG Rajeev Kumar, speaking on the incident. “The plan was that he would come here, wave, meet certain people and leave. Now the government has already constituted a committee that will look into all aspects, including whether there was any mismanagement on the organiser’s side or anything else.”

Kumar confirmed that the chief organiser has been detained and that an FIR has been lodged. “The organiser is giving in writing to those who are concerned that the tickets which have been sold should be refunded,” he added. “The situation is now under control.”

ADG (Law & Order) Jawed Shamim echoed the assurance, saying, “Peace has been restored immediately. Traffic is normal. People have all gone back home. The incident has been localised and limited to Salt Lake Stadium.”

Calling it a “big incident,” Shamim emphasised that accountability will follow: “We are on the job and will ensure that whoever is responsible for what happened today will be punished and all kinds of action will be taken against the concerned authorities.”

The afternoon’s chaos erupted after Messi’s brief, restricted appearance at the stadium — contrary to the promised masterclass, penalty shootout, and fan interactions. As the event ended abruptly, frustration spilled over, with fans breaking chairs, throwing bottles, and damaging structures inside the venue.

By evening, calm had returned to the city - but so had the questions. A government inquiry is now underway to determine how Kolkata’s dream encounter with Messi turned into a spectacle of mismanagement

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