West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday called out the organisers for “callously commercialising” the GOAT India tour of football legend Lionel Messi after chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium, calling
the incident a “black day for Kolkata” and accusing event managers of ignoring fans’ sentiments.
While speaking to reporters, Governor Bose, who went to the stadium to take stock of the situation, said that he himself was unable to enter the stadium as the gates were closed and repeated attempts by his officers to contact authorities went unanswered.
“The gate was closed. I waited. My officers called the authorities, but there was no response,” Bose told reporters, adding that he would return to the stadium on Sunday.
Bose said organisers had “callously commercialised” Messi’s visit while ignoring the expectations of thousands of fans who had paid high ticket prices to see the football icon.
“The organisers have callously gone the way of commercialisation of Messi’s visit and ignored the sentiments of the fans. After all it is fans who make an icon an icon. Fans have the right to see their hero. Knowing all these things the organisers only focused on money-making, which a civilised society cannot endure,” he said as quoted by news agency ANI.
The Governor urged authorities not to blame fans for their reaction, saying their disappointment was understandable after expectations were not met.
“The fan mentality should be understood properly. We cannot blame them. They came with great expectations to see their hero. The concerned authorities did not take care of these instances, which is where the failure lies. The failure lies with those responsible for managing the event,” Bose said, holding organisers and authorities accountable.
The Governor said he had recommended a judicial inquiry into the incident, immediate refund of ticket prices, freezing of the organiser’s accounts, compensation for damage to public property, and proper care for those injured.
“Police have failed their own government and the Constitution. Severe action should be taken against those found guilty of the lapses,” Bose said, adding that the state government had accepted the suggestion for a judicial inquiry.
Earlier today, the Governor, in a statement, expressed shock at the alleged lack of planning to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings surrounding Messi’s visit.
“The Governor is shocked at the pell-mell due to utter lack of management and planning in ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings at the Salt Lake Stadium surrounding’s Messi’s visit. While the organisers of the event are to be blamed squarely for the situation that unfolded, it is also the police that has failed the Government, the people and the Chief Minister who is also the Home Minister. Due to their inaction this day can be said to be a dark day for the sports loving people of Kolkata,” Bengal Governor’s office said.
What Happened At Salt Lake Stadium?
The chaos began when football star Lionel Messi, who was part of the inaugural leg of the “GOAT India Tour 2025″ along with teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, made a very brief appearance at the event. Fans, many of whom had paid high ticket prices ranging from Rs 4,000 to over Rs 12,000, with some VVIP passes costing even more, were expecting a longer interaction, a showcase or at least a celebratory lap. Instead, Messi stayed for only about 20 minutes.
During this short visit, Messi was surrounded by officials, local politicians and heavy security, leaving thousands of spectators in the stands unable to get a clear view of the football icon. The limited access and lack of engagement left fans deeply disappointed.
The disappointment soon turned into anger, with some fans throwing bottles and plastic chairs onto the field, damaging stadium property and attempting to breach security barriers. The unrest forced Messi to leave the venue immediately, while angry spectators booed officials and raised slogans.
Following the incident, the West Bengal Police registered a suo motu case in connection with the incident under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The main organiser of the event, Shatadru Dutta, was arrested for alleged mismanagement.
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