Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium After Messi’s Arrival Triggers Violence, Mamata Banerjee Orders Enquiry

Thousands of spectators, not only from Kolkata but from several parts of the country, had converged on the stadium with the hope of catching a glimpse of their football hero. Many had purchased tickets at steep prices, expecting at least a brief public appearance. However, growing frustration set in when fans realised that despite their efforts and expense, they were unlikely to see Messi at all.

According to officials, Lionel Messi’s convoy entered the Salt Lake Stadiumprecisely at 11:30 a.m. He was accompanied by fellow footballers Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. As the vehicles moved into the venue under tight security, the players were seen acknowledging the overwhelming enthusiasm of the crowd, appearing visibly pleased by the sheer scale of the frenzy surrounding their visit.

Outside and within parts of the stadium complex, tempers flared as crowd management failed to keep pace with the swelling numbers. Angry fans protested what they described as poor planning and lack of clear communication, with the situation escalating into incidents of violence. Law enforcement agencies were forced to intervene to restore order amid mounting tension.

Reacting to the developments, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee acknowledged shortcomings in the arrangements and apologised for what she termed “mismanagement” of the event. She announced that an enquiry committee had been constituted to investigate the incident thoroughly and to recommend measures aimed at preventing similar situations in the future. The administration, she said, would take corrective steps to ensure better coordination and crowd control at high-profile events.

The incident has cast a shadow over what was intended to be a landmark moment for Indian football fans, highlighting the challenges of managing massive public enthusiasm around global sports icons. As authorities review the failures and seek accountability, the episode underscores the critical importance of planning, transparency and safety in events that draw nationwide attention and emotion.