Kolkata, West Bengal: Scenes of unrest were reported at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata after angry spectators resorted to vandalism, alleging poor planning and mismanagement at a high-profile football-related event featuring global icon Lionel Messi. The incident occurred after Messi’s appearance at the venue turned out to be significantly shorter than many fans had expected.
What the event was about
The event was promoted as a special football celebration centered on the presence of Lionel Messi, one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport. The programme generated widespread excitement, drawing thousands of fans to the stadium. In the days leading up to the event, public anticipation was further fuelled by claims and speculation that other prominent personalities, including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, might also be present. The event also carried political visibility, with references to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with the programme.
What happened at the stadium
According to multiple attendees, Lionel Messi arrived at Salt Lake Stadium but remained there only for a brief period—reported by fans to be around 10 minutes—before leaving. During his appearance, he was surrounded by political leaders, ministers, and officials, which many spectators say obstructed their view. Fans also claimed that Messi did not participate in any football activity such as taking a kick, interacting on the field, or engaging directly with the crowd.
Several spectators said the programme did not unfold as advertised. The expected presence of other celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, did not materialise, adding to the sense of disappointment among the audience.
Why fans became angry
Fans expressed frustration over what they described as a mismatch between promotional claims and the actual event. Many said they had spent significant amounts of money on tickets, travelled long distances, and waited for hours, only to witness a short and largely ceremonial appearance.
As the crowd realised that the programme was ending without any meaningful interaction or sporting display, anger spilled over. Reports from the venue indicate that some spectators damaged seating, barriers, and other property inside the stadium while protesting against the organisers.
Questions over management and accountability
The incident has raised serious questions about event planning, crowd communication, and expectation management for large-scale international appearances. Critics argue that clearer disclosures about the nature and duration of Messi’s visit could have prevented the backlash. The involvement of political figures and the heavy security presence have also been cited by fans as factors that reduced visibility and engagement.
Security personnel later intervened to bring the situation under control and clear the premises. No official statement detailing the extent of damage or responsibility had been released at the time of reporting.
The Salt Lake Stadium episode highlights how unmet expectations at celebrity-driven events can quickly escalate into public disorder, underscoring the need for transparent communication, robust crowd management, and clear accountability in future high-profile programmes.
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