Key Points
- Violent protest erupted at Salt Lake Stadium after Messi’s friendly match was delayed and later canceled
- Fans threw plastic bottles, chairs, and other objects from stands, causing chaos and injuries
- Messi left stadium immediately under heavy security escort, match officially canceled
- 78,000 fans had gathered, ticket prices ranged from ₹500 to ₹7,000
- 12 spectators and 3 security personnel injured, 8 fans arrested for vandalism
- Remaining tour events in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi under review
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called emergency meeting with organizers
- Messi’s management team issued statement expressing disappointment, prioritizing safety
The much-anticipated friendly match featuring Lionel Messi at Salt Lake Stadium descended into chaos on Saturday afternoon when frustrated fans, who had been waiting for over four hours, began hurling plastic bottles, chairs, and other projectiles from the upper stands onto the field. The violence erupted around 3:30 PM, shortly after stadium officials announced that the match would be delayed indefinitely due to security concerns and crowd management issues.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation deteriorated rapidly when Messi, who had been warming up on the sidelines, was escorted back to the dressing room by his security team. Fans in the premium sections, who had paid up to ₹7,000 for tickets, began throwing water bottles onto the pitch. The protest quickly spread to other sections, with spectators dismantling plastic chairs and throwing them toward the field, creating a dangerous environment for players, officials, and other fans.
Security Response and Casualties
The Kolkata Police, which had deployed over 2,000 officers for the event, struggled to control the escalating violence. Rapid Action Force units were called in, and tear gas was reportedly used to disperse the most aggressive sections of the crowd. Medical teams stationed at the stadium treated 12 spectators for minor injuries, primarily cuts and bruises from falling debris and stampede-like conditions. Three security personnel were also injured when a section of thrown chairs struck them.
Messi was immediately evacuated through a secure underground tunnel to a waiting armored vehicle. His motorcade left the stadium premises within minutes, escorted by a heavy police convoy. The Argentine superstar’s personal security team, which includes former Israeli special forces personnel, took charge of his safety during the evacuation.
Official Statements and Accountability
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was scheduled to attend the match, called an emergency meeting with event organizers, police commissioners, and stadium authorities. In a brief statement, she expressed “deep regret over the unfortunate incident” and promised “strict action against those responsible for disrupting a historic sporting event.”
The event management company, Football Dreams India Pvt Ltd, issued a public apology, stating: “We sincerely apologize to Mr. Messi, his team, and all football fans. The safety of our guests and spectators is paramount. We failed to manage crowd expectations and communication effectively.” The company acknowledged that poor crowd control and delayed announcements contributed to fan frustration.
Messi’s management team released an official statement: “Lionel is deeply disappointed that he couldn’t play for his Indian fans. He was excited about this match. However, safety comes first. We are assessing the situation before making decisions about remaining tour events.”
Impact on Remaining Tour Schedule
The violent incident has thrown Messi’s entire India tour into uncertainty. His scheduled 2 PM departure to Hyderabad has been postponed indefinitely. Sources close to the tour indicate that the Hyderabad exhibition match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the Mumbai events at Wankhede Stadium, and the Delhi meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are all under review.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s office stated they are “monitoring the Kolkata situation closely” before confirming Messi’s Hyderabad visit. The Mumbai Cricket Association has requested additional security assurances, while the Prime Minister’s Office in Delhi is evaluating the security protocol for the planned meeting at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Fan Reactions and Root Causes
Many fans expressed anger over what they described as “mismanagement and false promises.” Several spectators claimed they were told Messi would play for at least 45 minutes, but after waiting for hours, they learned he might not play at all due to security concerns. The stadium’s inadequate facilities, including insufficient water stations and poor crowd management, exacerbated tensions in the sweltering December heat.
Social media footage shows fans chanting “We want Messi” before the situation turned violent. Football analysts suggest the incident reflects broader issues with how high-profile sporting events are organized in India, including overpromising access to global superstars and underestimating crowd management challenges.
Legal Consequences and Investigations
Kolkata Police have registered FIRs against unidentified persons and arrested eight individuals for vandalism and assault. The charges include rioting, causing hurt, and damaging public property. Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional perpetrators, and more arrests are expected.
The state government has announced a judicial inquiry into the incident, focusing on security lapses, crowd management failures, and the role of event organizers. The inquiry will also examine whether ticket sales exceeded the stadium’s safe capacity limits.
