India Tour Organizer Detained After Messi Fans Vandalize Stadium, Police Report
Chaos erupted during Lionel Messi’s tour event in India, leading to the detention of the event’s chief organizer, Satadru Dutta. This incident took place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where Messi made a brief 20-minute appearance, despite being scheduled for 45 minutes.
Incident Overview
Fans attending the event expressed their frustration by throwing objects and vandalizing seats. This disruption occurred as angry spectators felt mismanaged after Messi’s limited interaction. Tickets for the event were priced from approximately 3,500 rupees ($38.65), with some fans reporting prices as high as $130. One fan, Eddie Lal Hmangaihzuala, traveled nearly 1,500 km from Mizoram to see Messi, expressing disappointment over the chaotic situation.
Police Response and Investigation
West Bengal police, directed by Rajeev Kumar, confirmed Dutta’s detention to prevent unpunished mismanagement. Kumar stated that Dutta has pledged to refund tickets sold for the event. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologized to Messi, condemning the incident and promising a thorough investigation.
Future Commitments and Historical Context
Messi’s tour includes events across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, focusing on concerts, youth football clinics, and charitable initiatives. Banerjee announced the formation of a committee to evaluate accountability and improve future event management.
Historically, the Salt Lake Stadium has witnessed fan riots, including a notable incident in 2012 during a Kolkata derby. The stadium has attracted soccer legends in the past, including Diego Maradona, who unveiled a statue there in 2017. Messi previously captained Argentina in a friendly match at the same venue in 2011.
- Event Organizer: Satadru Dutta
- Location: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
- Scheduled Appearance: 45 minutes (actual: 20 minutes)
- Ticket Prices: From 3,500 rupees (~$38.65) to $130
- Police Action: Organizer detained, ticket refunds promised
- Official Response: Mamata Banerjee’s apology and investigation announcement
This event highlights the passionate but at times volatile nature of soccer fandom in India, raising questions about event organization and crowd management in future high-profile occurrences.
