Kolkata, Dec 13: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday (December 13) expressed deep shock and regret over the chaos that erupted during Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's brief visit to Kolkata, calling the incident a serious lapse in event management and crowd control.
As criticism mounted over the disorder at the iconic Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Banerjee issued a public apology to Messi and football fans, while announcing the constitution of a high-level enquiry committee to investigate the incident and fix responsibility.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the chief minister said she was on her way to the stadium along with thousands of football enthusiasts when she received reports of unrest
and mismanagement inside the venue. "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium," Banerjee wrote. "I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident. "
The chaos unfolded during what was meant to be a celebratory event marking Messi's visit to the City of Joy. The programme was abruptly curtailed after security protocols were breached and crowd control broke down, forcing organisers to escort the global football icon out of the stadium within minutes. Angry fans, many of whom had paid premium prices for tickets, were left frustrated after failing to catch even a glimpse of the Argentine superstar.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the embarrassment caused on an international stage, Banerjee announced the formation of an independent enquiry panel to probe the sequence of events.
I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 13, 2025
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The committee will be headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, and will include the Chief Secretary of West Bengal and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Hill Affairs) as members.
According to the chief minister, the panel has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the lapses that led to the breakdown of arrangements. Its mandate includes identifying those responsible for the mismanagement, examining security preparedness, and recommending corrective measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
Banerjee's response came amid sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Trinamool Congress-led government of failing to ensure basic planning and security for a high-profile international event. The chief minister, however, focused on damage control, stressing the importance of safeguarding Bengal's reputation as a sporting destination and restoring public confidence.
The incident has also sparked a broader debate around crowd management, ticketing practices, and event organisation at major sporting venues in India. Salt Lake Stadium, one of Asia's largest football arenas, has previously hosted international matches and marquee events, making Saturday's disorder all the more concerning for administrators and fans alike.
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