Mamata Banerjee Apologises to Lionel Messi After Chaos at Kolkata Event, Orders Probe
Image via X
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a public apology to football legend Lionel Messi and his fans following chaos and alleged mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium during the star footballer’s event in Kolkata. The incident triggered widespread criticism after fans complained that they could not see Messi despite paying high ticket prices.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the mismanagement witnessed at the stadium. She announced the formation of an enquiry committee to conduct a detailed probe into the incident, fix responsibility and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Banerjee stated that she was on her way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of football fans when reports of chaos began to surface. She extended an apology to Messi and sports lovers, acknowledging that the arrangements fell short of expectations during an event of international importance.
The enquiry committee will be chaired by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department as members. The panel has been tasked with examining lapses in crowd management, security arrangements and overall coordination during the event.
The controversy escalated after the Bharatiya Janata Party attacked the Trinamool Congress-led state government, accusing it of poor planning and prioritising political leaders over fans. BJP leaders alleged that Messi was surrounded by TMC leaders, leaving fans unable to get a clear view of the football icon.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla described the incident as an embarrassment on an international stage. He questioned the lack of adequate security and crowd control despite the massive turnout and warned that the situation could have turned dangerous.
According to reports from the stadium, Messi left the venue shortly after his arrival, following which frustrated fans raised slogans and damaged chairs. Several attendees claimed that mismanagement and inadequate security arrangements contributed to the chaos, intensifying public anger and political backlash.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on event management standards in the state, particularly for high-profile international events that attract massive crowds. Authorities are expected to submit the enquiry report in the coming days.
Our Final Thoughts
The chaos at the Lionel Messi event has highlighted serious gaps in planning and crowd management during large-scale international events. While the Chief Minister’s apology and the formation of an enquiry committee signal accountability, the incident raises questions about preparedness when hosting global icons. Fans’ frustration reflects the expectations attached to such high-profile appearances, where safety and accessibility are paramount. The findings of the enquiry will be crucial in determining responsibility and restoring public confidence. Going forward, stricter protocols and transparent coordination will be essential to ensure that future events meet international standards and protect both guests and spectators.