Lionel Messi's tour of India descends into chaos as fans hurl seats and invade pitch

"The Argentinian World Cup winner reportedly only spent 20 minutes in Salt Lake stadium and was closely attended at all times, sparking protests from fans who had paid to see him Fans in the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata threw ripped-up stadium seats and other objects onto the field and track, while several people climbed a fence around the field and hurled objects, video from ANI news agency showed, after an appearance that lasted just 20 minutes, according to Indian media. "Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi," a fan told ANI. Why did they call us then? We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees (€110), but we were not even able to see his face.""

"The chief minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, apologised to Messi and ordered a probe into the incident. "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium," Banerjee, who was on her way to the event when chaos broke out, posted on X. "I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," she said. "I am constituting an enquiry committee... the committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.""

Messi made a heavily guarded 20-minute appearance at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata that prompted angry protests from ticketed fans. Supporters threw ripped-up seats and other objects onto the field and some climbed fences and hurled items after failing to see him. Organisers of the tour did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Messi's India tour includes concerts, youth football clinics, a padel tournament and charitable initiatives across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee apologised, ordered an enquiry committee to investigate and assign responsibility, and the All India Football Federation expressed deep concern about the events.

Read at Irish Independent