West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said she was shocked and deeply disturbed by the alleged mismanagement at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, announcing the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the incident that led to chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium.
read also: Messi Kolkata Event Chaos: Organiser Arrested After Fan Unrest at Salt Lake Stadium
The disorder broke out during Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour 2025, when frustrated spectators entered the field and vandalised parts of the stadium, accusing the organisers of poor crowd and event management. Thousands of fans had gathered at the venue hoping to catch a glimpse of the football icon.
Banerjee said she was on her way to the Salt Lake Stadium to attend the programme, when the incident occurred. In a post on social media platform X, the chief minister issued a public apology to Messiand his supporters.
She said the unfortunate episode had caused embarrassment and distress to sports lovers across the state.
“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports enthusiasts and his fans, for what happened”, Banerjee wrote.
Announcing the enquiry, Banerjee said a committee would be set up under the chairmanship of retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray. The panel will include the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department as members.
According to the chief minister, the committee will carry out a comprehensive investigation into the events that led to the chaos, identify those responsible, and recommend corrective steps to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
Reiterating her regret, Banerjee once again extended her apologies to sports lovers and fans affected by the disruption.
Messi’s brief visit to Kolkata ended in turmoil after angry fans breached security arrangements, when they failed to get a clear view of the football superstar during his fleeting 22-minute appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium earlier in the day.
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