Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee apologises to Lionel Messi after stadium chaos

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a formal apology to football superstar Lionel Messi after chaotic scenes unfolded at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where fans resorted to vandalism, booed, and threw bottles following mismanagement during the event. Tents and hoardings were destroyed as overcrowding and security lapses forced Messi to cut short his appearance.





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“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,” Banerjee said in a statement.




The Chief Minister extended her sincere apologies to Messi, the football legend, as well as to all sports lovers and fans who were unable to witness the event properly.


She expressed regret over the chaotic turn of events, acknowledging the frustration and disappointment of fans who had gathered in large numbers to welcome the Argentine superstar.


To address the situation and ensure accountability, Banerjee announced the constitution of an enquiry committee.


“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. The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” she stated.


Kolkata’s much-anticipated encounter with football legend Messi descended into chaos on Saturday, as celebrations at Salt Lake Stadium gave way to unrest and disappointment among thousands of fans.

Messi, visiting India as part of his GOAT Tour, made only a fleeting appearance at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.


The excitement quickly turned to frustration when the Argentine superstar had to cut short his lap of honour due to an uncontrollable crowd surge. Bottles were thrown, forcing security to expedite his exit.


Fans, including those who had paid premium ticket prices, expressed anger at never being able to see Messi—neither up close nor on the stadium’s giant screens, despite waiting for hours. The dense security cordon and the presence of politicians and dignitaries further restricted visibility, leaving spectators disappointed and irate.






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